n
SETTLKMKNT or JAMKSTOWK, in Virginia. The fir
manent English sett foment in North America, commenced
by 105 persons, 13th of May, 1607. Seepage 13.
LANDINW OF THE PILGRIMS at Plymouth, Dec. 21d, 1620.
The first settlement in the New- England States, commenced
by John Carver, and ahoul twenty others from Plymouth,
England. Page 28.
:v
*
Death of King Philip, August 12, 1676. Page 84.
Major Waldron falling upon his own sword, 1696. P. 94.
Punishment of a m'm from Billerica, who purchased a gun
from a British soldier in Boston, March, 1775. P. 161.
BATTLE OF LEXINGTON. The first blood spilt in the Amer.
icon Revolution, on the 19th of April, 1775. P. 162.
Ticonderoga taken by the Americans, May 10, 1776. p. 164.
Sergeant Jasper rescuing the American flag at Charleston,
June 26th, 1776. P. 177.
CAPTURE OF ANDRE, the British Spy, at Tarrytown, by three
Militiamen, 2lst of September, 1780. P. 219
GKNEKAL WAYNE'S VICTORY over the Indians, on the banks
of the Miami, in 1794. P. 245.
-J-V, v-
Major Crogharta defence at Lower Sandusky, Ohio, August
2dj 1813. Page 283.
Death of Tecumseth, Oct. 5th, 1813. Page 290
.
Buffalo. JV. F. Burned by the British, December 30th, 1813
Battle of Plattsburg and MacdonougKs Victory ', Sept. llfA,
1814.
LANDING OF GENERAL LA FAYETTE at Castle Garden, in New-
York, August IGth, 1824. Page 401.
COL. DANIEL BOON, the first settler of Kentucky, exploring the
country in 1769. Page 459.
SETTLEMENT OF MARIETTA, the first town of importance settled
in the state of Ohio, April 1788. Page 467.
FATHER HENNEPIN-, a Catholic Missionary from Canada, sail-
ing down the Mississippi, in 1680. The first European who
passed down this river : settlement of St. Louis, Missouri.
Page 475478.
FIRST BUILDING AT DETROIT, was a fortification erected by a
party of French soldiers, about the year 1680. Pages 480, 481.
Sergeant Major Champ's Adventure. P, 499.
Adventure of Gen. Putnam. Page 505
General Atkinson's victory over BLACK HAWK on the banks oj
r.fcl 1833.
UNIVERSAL HISTORY
OP THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
EMBRACING
THE WHOLE PERIOD,
PROM THE
EARLIEST DISCOVERIES,
DOWN TO
THE PRESENT TIME.
GIVING A DESCRIPTION OP THE WESTERN COUNTRY, ITS SOIb
SETTLEMENTS, INCREASE OP POPULATION, fcC.
IN THREE PARTS.
BY C. B. TAYLOR.
NEW-YORK:
PUBLISHED BY EZRA STROWG,
Stereotyped by James Conner.
1836.
I
Southern District of blew- York, sa.
BE IT REMEMBERED, That on the 21st day of July, A. D. 1830, in the
65th year of the Independence of the United States of America, Ezra Strong, of
Ihe said District, hath deposited in this office the title of a book, the right whereuf
tic claims as proprietor, in the words followin-g, to wit:
"A Universal History of the United States of America; embracing the whoh
period, from the earliest discoveries, down to the present time. Giving a descrip-
tion of the Western country, its soil, settlements, increase of population, tic. In
Three Parts. By C. B. Taylor."
In conformity to the act of Congress of the United States, entitled " An act for
the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, a:ni
Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the time therein men-
tioned.'' And also to an act, entitled, "An act, supplementary to an act, entitled,
an act for the encouragement of learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts,
and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies, during the th;ies tiierrin
mentioned, and extending the benefits thereof to the arts of designing, engraving,
and etching historical and other prints."
FRED. J. BETTS,
Clerk of the Southern District of New- York.
PREFACE.
IN collecting materials for this work, the author has,
as may be seen from the copiousness of his table of con-
tents, studied brevity of style. This, from the multi-
plicity of subjects contained in the volume, he deemed
essentially necessary. Another important design of the
author has been to exhibit, in a strong point of light,
those principles of political and religious freedom, to
secure which many of our ancestors sacrificed their
homes, their fortunes, and even their li ves.
We cannot but admire the courage, perseverance, and
virtues of our progenitors, when we contemplate the ob-
stacles surmounted by them, the hardships endured, and
the unshrinking firmness of purpose which turned a
wilderness into fruitful fields, established a government
of equal laws, and provided an asylum for the oppressed
of all nations.
Having learned, at least to some extent, to appreciate
the value of those blessings which have 'descended to
the posterity of the pilgrims, the author would now con-
tribute his mite for the benefit of the present and future
generations.
This work is designed for a family and school book ;
and is also intended as a substitute for those more volu-
minous works, that find their way to the few only whose
resources are sufficient to procure them. The size of
the type on, which this volume is printed, has enabled
P185IS3
4 PREFACE.
the publisher to present to his readers more matter than
was originally intended for the work ; and to give in a
duodecimo form, the quantity of reading commonly found
in an octavo volume. Although presented to the public
in a condensed form, it will be found to contain the most
important events in the general history of this country.
The comparative population, wealth, resources, and
progressive improvement in the states and territories,
have been particularly noticed, and will be found a source
of useful information to those who may design to change
their present places of abode.
One entire chapter of this work is devoted to a view
of the western states and territories, giving a description
of the face of the country, the soil and productions, situ-
ation and extent, rivers, increase of population, settle-
ments, &c. This is designed by the author to convey a
useful table of information to all of his readers, but is
inserted more particularly for the benefit of those who
intend to emigrate.
C. B. T.
INTRODUCTION.
Birth, Education, and early Life of Columbus. His dis-
covery of America, and discoveries by Cabot, Hudson,
and others.
CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS, or Columbo, as the name is
written in Italian, was born in the city of Genoa, about
the year 1435, of poor but reputable and meritorious pa-
rentage. He was the son of Domenico Colombo, a wool
comber, and Susanna Fontanarossa, his wife ; and his an-
cestors seem to have followed the same trade for several
generations in Genoa. Attempts have been made to
prove him of illustrious descent, and several noble houses
have laid claim to him since his name has become so re-
nowned as to confer rather than receive distinction. It
is possible some of them may be in the right, for the
feuds in Italy in those ages had broken down and scat-
tered many of the noblest families, and while some
branches remained in the lordly heritage of castles and
domains, others were confounded with the humblest po-
pulation of the cities. The fact, however, is not mate-
rial to his fame ; and it is a higher proof of merit to be
the object of contention among various noble families,
than to be able to substantiate the most illustrious line-
age. His son Fernando had a true feeling on the subject.
" I am of opinion," says he, " that I should derive less
dignity from any nobility of ancestry, than from being
the son of such a father."
Columbus was the oldest of four children ; having two
brothers, Bartholomew and Giacomo, or, as his name is
translated into Spanish, Diego, and one sister, of whom
nothing is known, excepting that she was married to a
person in obscure life, called Giacomo Bavarello.
A3
6 INTRODUCTION.
While very young, Columbus was taught reading, wri-
ting, grammar, and arithmetic, and made some proficien-
cy in drawing. He soon evinced a strong passion for
geographical knowledge, and an irresistible inclination
for the sea ; and in after life, when he looked back upon
his career with a solemn and superstitious feeling, he re-
garded this early determination of his mind as an impulse
from the deity, guiding him to the studies, and inspiring
him with the inclinations, proper to fit him for the high
decrees he was destined to accomplish. His father, see-
ing the bent of his mind, endeavoured to give him an edu-
cation suitable for maritime life. He sent him, therefore,
to the university of Pa via, where he was instructed in
geometry, geography, astronomy, and navigation ; he ac-
quired also a familiar knowledge of the Latin tonjrio,
which at that time was the medium of instruction, aad
the language of the schools. He remained but a. short
time at Pa via, barely sufficient to give him the rudimerts
of the necessary sciences ; the thorough acquaintance
with them which he displayed in after life, must have
been the result of diligent self-schooling, and of casua!
hours of study, amidst the cares and vicissitudes of a i\\y
ged and wandering life. He was one of those men r.f
strong natural genius, who appear to form themselves
who, from having to contend at their very outset witf>
privations and impediments, acquire an intrepidity in bra-
ving, and a facility in vanquishing difficulties. Such men
learn to effect great purposes with small means, supply-
ing the deficiency of the latter by the resources of their
own energy and invention. This is one of the remarka-
ble features in the history of Columbus. In every under-
taking, the scantiness and apparent insufficiency of his
means enhance the grandeur of his achievements.
Shortly after leaving the university, he entered into
nautical life, and, according to his own account, began
to navigate at fourteen years of age. A complete obscu-
rity rests upon this part of his history. It is supposed
he made his first voyages with one Colombo, a hardy cap-
tain of the seas, who had risen to some distinction by
his bravery, and who was a distant connexion of his
family.
INTRODUCTION. 7
The seafaring life in those days was peculiarly full of
hazard and enterprise. Even a commercial expedition
resembled a warlike cruise, and the maritime merchant
had often to fight his way from port to port. Piracy was
almost legalized. The frequent feuds between" the Ita-
lian states ; the cruisings of the Catalonians ; the arma-
das fitted out by noblemen, who were petty sovereigns
in their own domains ; the roving ships and squadrons
of private adventurers ; and the holy wars waged with
the Mahometan powers, rendered the narrow seas to
which navigation was principally confined, scenes of the
most hardy encounters and trying reverses. Such was
the rugged school in which Columbus was reared, and
such the rugged teacher that first broke him in to naval
discipline.
There is an interval of several years, during which we
have but one or two shadowy traces of Columbus, who is
supposed to have been principally engaged in the Medi-
terranean, and up the Levant, sometimes in voyages of
commerce, sometimes in warlike contests between the
Italian states, sometimes in pious and predatory expedi-
tions against the infidels, during which time he was often
under the perilous command of his old fighting relation,
the veteran Colombo.
Columbus arrived at Lisbon about the year 1470. He
was at that time in the full vigour of manhood, and of an
engaging presence ; and here it may not be improper to
draw his portrait, according to the minute descriptions
given of him by his contemporaries. He was tall, well
formed, and muscular, and of an elevated and dignified
demeanour. His visage was long, and neither full nor
meagre ; his complexion fair and freckled, and inclined
to ruddy ; his nose aquiline, his cheek bones were rather
high, his eyes light gray, and apt to enkindle ; his whole
countenance had an air of authority. His hair, in his
youthful days, was of a light colour, but care and trouble
soon turned it gray, and at thirty years of age it was
quite white. He was moderate and simple in diet and
apparel, eloquent in discourse, engaging and affable with
strangers, and of an amiableness and suavity in domestic
life, that strongly attached his household to his person.
8 INTRODUCTION.
His temper was naturally- irritable ; but he subdued it
by the magnanimity of his spirit, comporting himself
with a courteous and gentle gravity, and never indulging
in any intemperance of language. Throughout his life,
he was noted for a strict attention to the offices of reli-
gion. The Sabbath was to him a day of sacred rest, on
which he would never sail from a port, unless in a case
of extreme necessity.
While at Lisbon, he became acquainted with a lady of
rank, named Dona Felipa, who resided in the convent.
The acquaintance soon ripened into attachment, and end-
ed in marriage.
When Columbus had once formed his theory, it became
fixed in his mind, \vith singular firmness. He set it down
as a fundamental principle, that the earth was a terra-
queous globe, which might be travelled round from east
to west, and that men stood foot to foot when on oppo-
site points.
This great man, when about forty years of age, formed
the idea of reaching the East Indies by sailing westward.
His fortune being small, and the attempt requiring ef-
fectual patronage, he laid his plan before the senafe of
Genoa, desirous that his native country should profit if
he was successful ; the scheme, however, appearing chi-
merical, was rejected. He then repaired to the court
of Portugal ; and although the Portuguese were at that
time distinguished for their commercial spirit, and John
II. who then reigned, was a discerning and enterprising
prince, yet the prejudices of the great men in his court,
to whom the matter was referred, caused Columbus final-
ly to fail in his attempt there also. He next applied to
Ferdinand and Isabella, king and queen of Arragon and
Castile, and at the same time sent his brother Bartholo-
mew (who followed the same profession, and who was
well qualified to fill the immediate place under such a
leader) to England, to lay the proposals before Henry
VII. which likewise, very fortunately for the future well
being of the country, met with no success. Many were
the years which Christopher Columbus spent in ineffec-
tual attendance at the Castilian court ; the impoverished
state into which the finances of the united kingdom were
INTRODUCTION. 9
reduced by the war with Grenada, repressed every dis-
position to attempt great designs. But the war being
at length terminated, the powerful mind of Isabella broke
through all obstructions ; she declared herself the pa-
troness of Columbus, while her husband, Ferdinand, de-
clining to partake as an adventurer, in the voyage, only
gave it the sanction of his name. Thus did the superior
genius of woman effect the discovery of one half of the
globe !
The ships sent out on this important search were only
three in number, two of them very small, with ninety
men, victualled for a year's voyage. Although the expense
of the expedition had long remained the sole obstacle to
this undertaking, yet, when every thing was provided,
the cost did not amount to more than sixteen thousand
five hundred dollars, for which purpose the queen dis-
posed of her jewels to raise the amount.
Columbus set sail from the port of Palos in the pro-
vince of Andalusia, August 3d, 1492: He proceeded to
the Canary Islands, and thence directed his course due
west, in the latitude of about 28 N. In this course he
continued for two months, without falling in with any
land, which caused such a spirit of discontent and mutiny
to arise, as the superior address and management of the
commander became uneqiial to suppress, although for
those qualities he was eminently distinguished. He was
at length reduced to the necessity of entering into a so-
lemn engagement, to abandon the enterprise and return
home, if land was not discovered in three days. Proba-
bly he would not have been able to retain his men so
long from acts of violence and outrage, in pursuing so
untried and dreary a course, had they not been sensible
that their safety in returning home, depended very much
on his skill as a navigator, in conducting the vessel.
About midnight of the llth of October, 1492, the cry
was, land, land, which proved to be one of the Bahama
islands, which Columbus named "San Salvadore ; it was
only three deg. 30 min. lat. to the south of the island of
Gomora, one of the Canaries, whence he took his depar-
ture. This navigator was still so confident in the opinion
he had formed before he undertook the voyage, that he
10 INTRODUCTION.
believed himself then to be on an island which was situa-
ted adjacent to the Indies. Proceeding towards the S. he
saw three other islands which he named St. Mary, Ferdi-
nand, and Isabella. At length he arrived at a very large
island, and as he had taken seven of the natives of San
Salvadore on board, he learned from them that its name
was called Cuba, but he gave it the name of Juanna. He
next proceeded to an island which he had called Espa-
fiola, in honour of the kingdom by which he was employ-
ed, and it still bears the name of Hispaniola.
Here he built a fort, and formed a small settlement ; he
then returned home, having on board some of the native?
whom he had taken from the different islands, on the pas
sage. He was overtaken by a storm which had nearl)
proved fatal. During the storm, Columbus hastily en-
closed in a cake of wax, a short account of his voyage
and discovery, which he hoped, should he perish, might
fall into the hands of some navigator, or be cast ashore,
and thus the knowledge of his discovery be preserved to
the world. But the storm abated, and he arrived safe in
Spain, March 15th, 1493, having been seven months and
eleven days on this most important voyage.
On his arrival, letters patent were issued by the king
and queen, confirming to Columbus and to his heirs, all
the privileges contained in an agreement w r hich had been
enacted before his departure.
Not only the Spaniards, but the other nations of Europe,
seem to have adopted the opinion of Columbus, in con-
sidering the countries which he had discovered as a part
of India ; whence Ferdinand and Isabella gave them the
name " Indies" in the ratification of their former agree
ment with Columbus ; even after the error was detected,
the name was retained, under the appellation of " West
Indies." Nothing could possibly tend more effectually
to rouse every active principle of human nature, than the
discoveries which Columbus had made ; no time was lost
or expense spared, in preparing a fleet of ships, with
which this great man should revisit the countries he had
made known.
Seventeen ships were made ready in six months, and
fifteen hundred persons embarked on board of them,
INTRODUCTION. 11
among whom were many noble families, who had filled
honourable stations. Ferdinand, now desirous of securing
the benefits of these discoveries, applied to the Pope to be
invested with a right in their newly discovered country,
as well as to all future discoveries in that direction ;
but as it was necessary that there should be some favour
of religion in the business, he founded his plea on a de-
sire of converting the savage natives to the Romish faith,
which plan had its desired effect.
Columbus sailed from the port of Cadiz, on the 25th of
September, 1493. When he arrived at Espafiola, he
had the affliction to find that all the Spaniards whom he
had left there, amounting to thirty-six in number, had
been put to death by the natives in revenge for the insults
and outrage which they had committed. After tracing out
the plan of a town in a large plain near a spacious bay, and
giving it the name of Isabella, in honour of his patroness,
the queen of Castile, and appointed his brother to preside
as deputy governor in his absence, Columbus, on the
24th of April, 1494, sailed with one ship and two small
barks, to make further discoveries in the seas. In this
voyage he was employed five months, and fell in with
many small islands on the coast of Cuba, but none of any
importance except the island of Jamaica.
Soon after his return to Hispaniola, he resolved to
make war with the Indians, who amounted to 100,000
men ; they having experienced every lawless act of vio-
lence from their invaders, were rendered extremely in-
veterate, and thirsting for revenge, a disposition which
appears to have been foreign to their natures. Having
collected his whole force, he attacked them by night,
while they were assembled on a wide plain, and obtained
a most decisive victory, without the loss of a single man
on his part. The effect of cannon and fire arms, the noise
of which was appalling, employed against a numerous
body of Indians, closely drawn together, was in the high-
est degree destructive. Columbus had brought over with
him a small body of cavalry.
The Indians, who had never before seen such a crea-
ture, imagined the Spanish horses to be rational beings,
and that each, with its rider, formed but one animal ; they
12 INTRODUCTION.
were astonished at their speed, and considered their im-
petuosity and strength as irresistible. Numbers were
slain, and many made prisoners, who were immediately
consigned to slavery.
At the departure of Columbus from Spain, he was ap
pointed governor of the new world ; but by false repre
sentations of his enemies, the king was persuaded to ap-
point another in his place. The king also gave orders
that Columbus should be seized and sent to Spain ; this
was executed, and the heroic Columbus returned to Spain
in irons. He was set at liberty by the king on his arri-
val, but never recovered his authority. After his return
from his fourth voyage, finding Isabella, his patroness,
dead, he sunk beneath his misfortunes, and died May
20th, 1506, in the seventieth year of his age.
In 1497, John Cabot and his son commenced a voyage
of discovery, and on the 24th of June discovered the island
of Newfoundland, which they gave the name of Prima
Vesta. Leaving this, they fell in with a small island, which
they called St. Johns. The French attempted no disco-
veries until 1524. In 1584, Sir Waller Raleigh, under
commission of Queen Elizabeth, arrived in America, en-
tered Pamplico Sound, now in North Carolina, and sailed
thence to Roanoke ; of this country he took possession,
and on his return to England gave so splendid a descrip-
tion of it, that Queen Elizabeth bestowed upon it the
name of Virginia, in allusion to her being unmarried.
In 1602, Bartholomew Gosnold discovered some part
of New-England. He first touched on its eastern coast,
in about 43 degrees of north latitude ; he made some dis-
coveries of the adjacent ports, and gave them the name
of Cape Cod, and Martha's Vineyard.
In 1603, the French made some small discoveries, and
began to settle at Port Royal, on the Bay of Funda.
In 1608, Henry Hudson discovered Long Island ; he
also discovered and gave name to Hudson River, which
retains this name to the present time.
NOTE. The birth, parentage, and the early education of Columbus,
has been extracted from that valuable work which has recently appeared
from the able pen of Washington Irving.
UNIVERSAL HISTORY
OF THE
UNITED STATES.
PART FIRST.
CHAPTER II.
Prom the settl ment of Jamestown to the embarkation of
the Plymouth Company.
THE discovery of America by Columbus, gave a new
: mpulse to that bold spirit of adventure which character-
ized the hardy age in which he lived. Although several
men of rank and fortune were concerned in the companies
which had been formed in England for colonising America,
their funds appear to have been very limited, and their
first efforts were extremely feeble. The first expedition
for the southern colony consisted of one vessel of 100 tons,
and two barks, with 105 men, destined to remain in the
country. The command of this small fleet was given to
Captain Newport, who sailed from the Thames the 19th
of December, 1606. At the time his instructions were
given, three packages, sealed with the seal of the council,
were delivered, one to Captain Newport, one to Captain
Bartholomew Gosnald, and the third to Captain John Rat-
clifTe, containing the names of the council for the colony.
They were directed not to open these packages within 34
hours after their arrival on the coast of Virginia, and the
names of his majesty's council were then to be proclaim-
ed. The council were then to proceed in the choice of
a president, who should have two votes. To this singu-
lar and unaccountable concealment, have been in a great
degree attributed the dissensions which distracted the colo-
nist? on their passage, and which afterwards considerably
impeded the progress of their infant settlement. Newport,
2
14 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
whose place of destination was Roanoke, took the circuit-
ous route by the West India islands, and had a long pas-
sage of four months. The reckoning had been out for
three days, without perceiving land ; and serious proposi-
tions were made for returning to England; when they
were overtaken by a storm, which fortunately drove them
to the mouth of the Chesapeake.
On the 26th of April, 1607, they discerned Cape Henry,
and soon after Cape Charles. Impatient to land, a party
of about 30 men went on shore at Cape Hejpry, but they
were immediately attacked by the natives, wno considered
them as enemies, and in the skirmish which ensued, seve-
ral were wounded on both sides. The first employment
of the colonists, w r as to explore the adjacent country, with
the appearance of which they were greatly delighted, and
to select a spot on which their settlement should be made.
They proceeded up a large, beautiful river, called by the
natives Powhattan, and to which they gave the name of
James ; on a peninsula, on the northhside of which they
immediately agreed to make the first establishment of their
colony.
This place, as well as the river, they named after their
king, and called it Jamestown ; there they debarked on
the 13th of May, and the sealed packets being opened, Mr.
Wingfield was, by the council, elected their president ; but
under frivolous and unjustifiable pretexts, they excluded
Smith from taking his seat among them John Smith,
whose courage and talents seem to have excited their envy,
and who on the passage, had been imprisoned on the im-
probable and unsupportable charge of intending to mur-
der the council, usurp the government, and make himself
king of Virginia.
The colonists soon found themselves embroiled with
the Indians, who attacked them suddenly, while at work ,
but were frightened by the fire from the ship, and in a
short time, a temporary accommodation with them was ef-
fected. Although Newport was named of the council, he
was ordered to return with the vessel to England, and the
time of his departure approached. The accusers of Smith,
affecting a degree of humanity which they did not feel,
proposed that lie should return with Newport, instead of
THE UNITED STATES. 15
being prosecuted in Virginia ; but with the pride of con
ddous innocence, he demanded his trial, and being he
aourably acquitted, took his seat in the council. About
the 15th of June, Newport sailed for England, leaving be-
hind him one bark, and about 100 persons, the only Eng
lish then on the continent of America.
Thus, about one hundred and ten years after this conti
nent had been discovered by Cabot, and 22 years after a
colony had been conducted to Roanoke by Sir Richard
Grenville, the English possessions in America, designed
soon to become a mighty empire, were limited to a penin-
sula of a few thousand acres of land, held by a small body
of men, who with difficulty maintained themselves against
the paltry tribes which surrounded them, and looked in a
great measure to the other side of the Atlantic for the
bread on which they were to subsist. The stock of pro-
visions for the colony had been very improvidentially laid
in ; it was entirely inadequate to their wants, and in addi-
tion to this original error, it had sustained great damage in
the holds of their vessels, during their long passage.
On the departure of Newport, (during whose stay they
managed to partake of the superfluity of sailors,) they
were reduced to the necessity of subsisting on the distri-
butions from the public stores. These were, at the same
time, scanty and unwholesome. They did not amount to
more per man than a pint of worm eaten wheat, and bar-
ley boiled in a common kettle. This wretched food in
creased the malignity of the diseases generated by a hot,
and, at that time, (the country being entirely uncleared
and undrained,) a damp climate, among men exposed, from
their situation, to all its rigours. Before the month of
September, 50 of the company, and among them Bartholo-
mew Gosnald, who had originated the expedition, and so
much contributed to wards its being carried on, were buried.
This scene of distress was heightened by internal dis-
sension. The president was charged with having embez-
zled the best stores of the colony, and of feasting at his
private table with beef and bread, then deemed luxuries
of the highest order, while famine and death devoured his
r ellow adventurers. No crime, in the public opinion,
could have been more atrocious. In addition to this, he
16 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
was detected in an attempt to escape from them and their
calamities, in the bark which had been left by Newport
The general indignation could no longer be restrained
He was deposed, and Ratcliffe chosen to succeed him
Misfortune is not unfrequently the parent of moderation
and reflection, and this state of misery produced a system
of conduct towards the neighbouring Indians, which, for
the moment, disarmed their resentment, and induced them
to bring in such supplies as the country at that season
afforded, and thereby preserved the remnant of the colony.
It produced another effect, not less important. Their sense
of imminent and common danger, called forth and com-
pelled submission to those talents which were fitted to the
exigence, and best calculated to extricate them from the
difficulties by which they were surrounded.
Captain Smith, who had been imprisoned and expelled
from the council by the envy of those who felt and hated
his superiority, and who, after evincing his innocence, had
with difficulty been admitted to the station assigned, pre-
served his health unimpaired, his spirits unbroken, and hig
judgment unclouded, amidst this general misery and de-
jection. In him, by common consent, all actual authority
was placed, and he, by his own example, soon gave energy
and efficiency to others in the execution of his com-
mands.
He immediately erected, at Jamestown, such rude for-
tifications as were necessary to resist the sudden attack of
the savages, and, with great labour, in which he always
took the lead, completed the construction of such dwell-
ings as could shelter the people from the weather ; con-
tributed to restore and preserve their health, while his ac-
commodation gave place to all others. In the season of
gathering corn, which, with the Indians, is the season of
plenty, putting himself at the head of small parties, he pene-
trated into the country, and, by presents and caresses to
those that were well disposed, and attacking with open
force, and defeating those who were hostile, he obtained
for his countrymen the most abundant supplies. While
thus actively and usefully employed abroad, he was not
permitted to withdraw his attention from the domestic
concerns of the colony. However unfit men may be for
THE UNITED STATES. 17
command, there are few examples of their descending
willingly from exalted stations once filled by them, arid it
is not wonderful that the late president saw with displea-
sure another placed above him.
As unworthy minds most readily devise unworthy means,
he sought, by intriguing with the factious, and fomenting
their discontents, to regain his lost authority ; and when
their attempts were disconcerted, plans were laid, first by
Wingfield and Kendal, and afterwards by the president
himself, in conjunction with Martin, the only remaining
member of the council, except Smith, to escape in the
bark, and thus abandon the country. The vigilance 01
Sri i ilk detected all these machinations, and his vigour de-
feated them. The hope was now indulged of preserving
tiie colony in quiet and plenty, until supplies could be re-
ceived from England, with the ships which were expected
in the spring. This hope was, in a considerable degree,
defeated, by an event which threatened, at first, the most
disastrous consequences.
In an attempt to explore the head of Chickahominy
river, Smith was discovered, and attacked by a numerous
body of Indians, and, in endeavouring to make his escape,
after a most gallant defence, his attention being directed
to the enemy, whom he still fought in retreating, he sunk
up to his neck in a swamp, and was obliged to surrender.
Still retaining his presence of mind, he showed them a
mariner's compass, at which, especially at the playing of
the needle, and the impossibility of touching it, although
they saw it so distinctly, they were greatly astonished;
and he amused them with so many surprising stories of its
qualities, as to inspire them with a degree of veneration,
which prevented their executing their first design of killing
him on the spot. They conducted him in triumph through
several towns to the palace of Powhatan, the most potent
king in the country.
There he was doomed to be put to death by laying his
head upon a log, and beating his brains out with clubs.
He was led to the place of execution, and his head bowed
down for the purpose of death, when Pocahontas, the
king's daughter, then about thirteen years of age, whose
entreaties for his life had been ineffectual, rushed between
2*
18 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
him and the executioner, and folding his head in her arms,
and laying hers upon it, arrested the fatal blow. Her fa-
ther was then prevailed on to spare his life, and after a
great many savage ceremonies, he was sent back to James-
town. On his arrival thither, having been absent seven
weeks, he found the colony reduced to 38 persons, most
of whom seemed determined to abandon the country, which
appeared to them so unfavourable to human life. He
was just in time to prevent the execution of this design
Alternately employing persuasions, threats, and even vio-
lence, he, at length, with much hazard to himself, induced
the majority to relinquish the 'intentions they had formed,
and then turning the guns of the fort on the bark, on
board of which were the most determined, compelled he
to remain, or sink in the river.
By judicious regulation of their intercourse with the
Indians, among whom Smith was now in high repute, he
preserved plenty in the colony until the arrival of two
vessels, which had been despatched from England under
the command of Captain Newport, with a supply of pro-
visions, instruments of husbandry, and with a reinforce-
ment of 120 persons ; consisting of many gentlemen, a
few labourers, and several refiners, goldsmiths, and jewel-
lers. The joy of the colony on receiving this accession
of force, and supply of provisions, was extreme. But the
influence of Smith disappeared with the danger which had
produced it. and an improvident relaxation of discipline,
productive of the most pernicious consequences, succeed-
ed to it. Among the unwise practices which they tole-
rated, an indiscriminate traffic with the natives was per-
mitted, in the course of which some obtained for their
commodities much better bargains than others, which in-
spired those who had been most hardly dealt by, and who
thought themselves cheated, with resentment against the
English generally, and a consequent thirst for revenge.
About this time was found, washed down by a small
stream of water, back of Jamestown, a glittering earth,
which, by the colonists, was mistaken for gold dust. All
that raging thirst for gold which accompanied the first Eu-
ropeans who visited the American continent, seemed re-
excited by this incident. Mr. Stith, in his history, ?sys,
THE UNITED STATES. 10
"here was nothing thought of but to dig gold, wash gold,
refine gold, and load gold. And, notwithstanding Cap-
tain Smith's warm and judicious representations, how ab-
surd it was to neglect all other things of immediate use
and necessity, to load such a drunken ship with gilded dust,
yet was he overruled, and her returns were made with a
parcel of glittering dirt, which is to be found in various
parts of the country, and which they very sanguinely con-
cluded to be gold dust.
One vessel returned in the spring of 1608, the other
the 2d of June, laden, one with dust, the other with cedar.
This is the first remittance ever made from America by an
English colony. The effects of this fatal delusion, were
such as might have been foreseen, and were soon felt.
The colony began to suffer the same distress from scarcity
of lood, which had before brought it to the brink of ruin.
The researches of the English settlers had not yet extend
ed beyond the countries adjacent to James River. Smith
had formed the bold design of exploring the great bay of
Chesapeake, examining the mighty rivers which empty
into it, opening an entrance with the nations inhabiting
them, and acquiring a knowledge of the state of their cul-
tivation and population.
This hardy enterprise he undertook, accompanied by
Doctor Russell, in an open boat of about three tons bur-
then, and with a crew of 13 men. On the 2d of June, he
fell down the river, in company with the last of Newport's
two vessels, and parted with her at the Capes. Beginning
his survey at Cape Charles, he examined with immense
fatigue and danger, every river, inlet, and bay, on both
sides of the Chesapeake, as far as the mouth of the Rap-
pahannoc, from whence, their provisions being exhausted,
he returned to Jamestown. He reached the place on the
21st July, and found the colony in the utmost confusion
and disorder. Those who had arrived last, with Newport,
were all sick, and general scarcity prevailed ; an universal
discontent with the president, whom they charged with
riotously consuming the stores, and unnecessarily fati-
guing the people, with building a house of pleasure for
himself in the woods.
The seasonable arrival of Smith, prevented their fury
20 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
from breaking out in acts of personal violence. Their
views were extended, and their spirits revived, by the ac-
counts he gave of his discovery. They contented them-
selves with deposing their president, and Smith was urged,
but refused, to succeed him.
Having made, in three days, arrangements for obtain
ing regular supplies, and for the government of the colony
his firm friend, Mr. Scrivner, was appointed vice presi-
dent, and on the 14th of July, he again set out, with 12
men, to complete his discoveries.
From this voyage, he returned on the 7th of Septembei
He had ad ventured as far as the River Susquehannah, and
visited all the countries on both sides of the river ; he en
tered most of the large creeks, and sailed up many of the
great rivers to their falls.
When we consider that he sailed above 300 miles in an
open boat, when we contemplate the dangers and the
hardships he encountered, and the fortitude, courage, and
patience, with which he met them ; when we reflect on
the useful and important additions which he made to the
stock of knowledge respecting America, then possessed
by his countrymen, we shall not hesitate to say that few
voyages of discovery, undertaken at any time, reflect more
honour on those engaged in them, than this does on Cap-
tain Smith. It may not be entirely unworthy of remark,
that about the bottom of the bay, Smith went with a par-
ty of Indians from St. Lawrence, coming to war with those
of that neighbourhood; and that he found among Indians
on the Susquehannah, hatchets obtained originally from
the French in Canada.
On the 10th of September, immediately after his return
from his expedition, he was chosen president by the coun-
cil, and accepted the office.
Soon after Newport arrived with an additional supply
of inhabitants ; among whom were the two first females
who had ventured into the country ; but he came without
provisions. The distinguished, judicious, and vigorous
administration of the president, however, supplied their
wants, and restrained the turbulent. Encouraged by his
example, coerced by his authority, a spirit of industry and
subordination appeared to be created in the colony, which
THE UNITED STATES. 21
was the parent of plenty and peace. In the mean time,
the company in England became excessively dissatisfied
with their property in America. They had calculated on
discovering a passage to the south sea, and mines of the
precious metals, which might afford to individuals me
same sudden accumulation of wealth which had been ac
quired by the Spaniards in the south. In all their hopes
they had been grievously disappointed, and had as yet
received scarcely any advantage for the heavy expenses
they had incurred ; yet hope did not altogether forsake
them, and they still indulged in golden dreams of future
wealth.
On the 23d of May, 1609, a new charter was granted
them, some of the first nobility, and gentry of the country,
and most of the companies of London, with a numerous
body of merchants and tradesmen, were now added to the
former adventurers, and they were all incorporated, by
the name of the Treasurer and Company of Adventurers
of the city of London, for the first colony in Virginia. To
them was granted, as their property, the lands extending
from Cape or Point Comfort along the sea coast, 200 miles
northward, and from the same point along the sea coast
200 miles southward.
The corporation was authorized to own, under its com-
mon seal, particular portions of these lands to subjects or
denizens, on such conditions as might promote the inten-
tions of the grant. The powers of the president and
council in Virginia were abrogated, and a new council in
England was established and ordained in the charter, with
power to the company to fill all vacancies therein by elec-
tion. This council was empowered to appoint and renew
all officers for the colony, and to make all ordinances for
its government, provided they be not contrary to the laws
of England.
License was given to transport all persons that were
willing, and to export merchandise free from custom to
Virginia, for seven years. There was also granted, for
twenty-one years, freedom from all subsidies in Virginia,
and from all impositions on importations and exportations,
from or to any of the king's dominions, except only the
five pounds in the hundred due for custom. The company
- UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
being now enlarged, was enabled to take more efficient
measures than heretofore for the settlement of the coun
try ; they soon fitted out nine ships with 500 emigrant,
and such supplies as were deemed necessary for them
Lord Delawar was constituted governor and captain ge
neral for life, and several other high sounding ana useless
offices were created. The direction of the expedition
was again given to Captain Newport, George Somers,
and Thomas Gates. Power was severally granted to
govern the colony until the arrival of Lord Delawar.
With singular indiscretion, the council omitted to esta-
blish precedence among these gentlemen, and being totally
unable to settle this point between themselves, they
agreed to embark on board of the same vessel, and to be
companions during the voyage. They were parted from
the rest of the fleet in a storm, and driven on Bermudas,
having on board 150 men, a considerable portion of the
provisions, and the new commission and instructions of
the council. The residue of the squadron arrived safe ia
Virginia.
The great part of the new company consisted of unruly
sparks packed off by their friends to escape worse desti-
nies at home, and the rest chiefly made up of poor gen-
tlemen, broken tradesmen, rakes and libertines, footmen,
and such others as were more ruinous to the common-
wealth, than to help to raise or maintain it. They as-
sumed to themselves the power of disposing of the go-
vernment, and conferred it sometimes on one, and some-
times on another. To-day the old commission must rule,
to-morrow the new, and next day neither. So all was
anarchy and distraction.
The judgment of Smith was suspended but for a short
time. He soon determined that his own authority was
not legally revoked until the arrival of the new commis-
sion, and, therefore, resolved to continue its exercise. He
boldly imprisoned the chief promoter of the sedition,
and thereby restored for a time regularity and obedience.
Having effected this, he detached 100 persons to the falls
of James River, under the command of West, and thf
same number to Nansemond, under the command of Mar-
tin. These settlements were conducted with so little
THE UNITED STATES. 23
judgment, that they soon converted all the neighbouring
Indians into enemies, had several parties cut off, and found
themselves in need of the support and direction of Smith.
These were always afforded, until a melancholy accident
deprived the colony of the aid of a man, whose talents
had more than once rescued it from that desperate condi-
tion into which folly and vice had plunged it.
Returning from the company at the falls of James
River, his powder bag, while he was asleep in the boat,
took fire; he was wounded so as to be confined to his
bed. Being thus wounded, and unable to obtain the aid
of a surgeon in the colony, he determined to return to
England, for which place he embarked about the begin-
ning of October. At his departure the colony consisted
of about 500 inhabitants ; they were furnished with 3
ships, 7 boats, 10 weeks' provisions in the public store,
mares and a horse, a large stock of hogs and poultry,
with some sheep and goats ; utensils for agriculture, nets
for fishing, 100 trained and expert soldiers, well acquaint-
ed with the Indians, their language and habitations ; 24
pieces of ordnance, and three hundred muskets, with a
sufficient quantity of other arms and ammunition.
The present fair prospect was soon blasted. The In-
dians understood that the man whose conduct and vigour
they had so often experienced, and so much dreaded, no
longer remained in the country ; they fell upon them.
Captains West and Martin having lost their boats, and
nearly half of their men, were driven back to Jamestown;
the stock of provisions was lavishly wasted, and a famine,
the most dreadful with which they had ever been afflicted,
ra-jed among them. After devouring the skins of their
horses, and the Indians they had killed, the survivors fed
on those of their companions who had sunk under such
accumulated calamities. This period was long remem-
bered by the name of the Starving Time.
In six months the colony was reduced to 60 persons,
who were so feeble and dejected that they could not sur-
vive ten days longer. In this calamitous state, they were
relieved by Thomas Gates, George Somers, and Captain
Newport, who arrived from Bermuda 24th of May, 1610.
It was immediately determined to abandon the country ;
24 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
and for this purpose the wretched remnant of the colony
embarked on board the vessel just arrived from Bermuda,
and set sail for England. None dropped a tear, because
none had enjoyed one day of happiness. But they met
Lord Delawar in the river, with three ships, and a recruit
of new settlers and persons from England, who prevailed
on them to return, and.on the 10th of June, re-settled them
at Jamestown.
On the 10th of May, 1611, Sir Thomas Dale, who bad
been appointed to the government, arrived with fresh
supplies of men and provisions, and found the colony re-
lapsing into its former state of idleness and penury. It
required all the authority of the new governor to maintain
public order, and to compel the idle and dissolute to labour.
Some conspiracies having been detected, he proclaimed
martial law, and instantly executed it, by punishing the
most guilty. These severities, which, in the ordinary
state of society, would not, and ought not to have been
submitted to, were then deemed necessary, and are spoken
of as having probably saved the settlement.
In the beginning of August, Sir Thomas Gates, who
had been appointed to succeed Thomas Dale, arrived with
six ships, and a considerable supply of men and provi-
sions. The colony being now greatly strengthened, began
to extend itself up the James River, and several new set-
tlements were made. In March, 1612, a new charter was
issued, granting to the treasurer and company all the
islands situate in the ocean, within three hundred leagues
of the coast of Virginia.
It was ordained that four general courts of adventurers
should be holden annually, for the determination of affairs
of importance, and weekly meetings were appointed for
the transaction of common business.
To promote the settlement, which had already cost such
considerable sums, license w r as given to open lotteries in
any part of England. These lotteries, which were the
first ever drawn in England, brought twenty-nine thou-
sand pounds into the treasury of the company. Captain
Argal arrived from England with two vessels, and was
sent round to the Potomac, for a cargo of corn. Here he
understood that Pocahontas, who had saved the life of
THE UNITED STATES. 25
Smith, and ever had been steadfast in her attachments to
the English, having absented herself from her father's
house, now lay concealed.
By bribing some of those in whom she had confided,
Captain Argal prevailed on her to come on board his ves-
sel, where she was detained respectfully, and brought to
Jamestown. His motive was, the hope that the posses-
sion of Pocahontas would give the English an ascendancy
over her father, Powhatan. In this, however, he was
disappointed. Powhatan offered corn and friendship, if
they would first restore his daughter, but would come to
no terms until reparation was made for what he resented,
as an act of unhandsome treachery.
During her detention at Jamestown, she made an im-
pression on the heart of Mr. Rolfe, a young gentleman of
estimation in the colony, who also succeeded in gaining
her affections. They were married, with the consent of
Powhatan, who ever after continued to be a sincere friend
to the English. This led to a treaty with the Chiccaho-
minies, a brave and powerful tribe, who submitted to the
English, and became their tributaries. In 1613, Sir Tho-
mas Dale divided a considerable portion of the lands into
lots of three acres each, and granted one of these to each
individual in full propriety.
Although they were still required to devote a great por-
tion of their labour to the public, yet a sudden change
was made in the appearance and habits of the colony.
Industry advanced with rapid strides, and the colonists
were no more fearful of. wanting bread, either for them-
selves or the emigrants, who came annually from England.
Early in the year 1614, Sir Thomas Gates returned to
England, leaving the government again with Sir Thomas
Dale. In 1615, fifty acres of land were allotted to each
individual, which was actually laid off and delivered to the
persons having titles to them, who were permitted to ex-
ercise over them, in such a manner as was agreeable to
themselves, all the rights of ownership. About the same
time, tobacco was first cultivated in Virginia.
This plant was detested by the king, who used all his
nfluence to prevent its use. He even wrote a pamphlet
against it, which he styled the counterblast. It was dis-
3
26 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
(countenanced by the leading members of parliament, and
also by the company, who issued edicts against its culti-
vation. And, although on a first experiment, it was un-
pleasant in its taste, and disagreeable in its effects, it sur-
mounted all difficulties, and has, by an unaccountable ca-
price, been brought into general use, and become one of
the most considerable staples of America.
In the spring of 1616, Sir Thomas Dale sailed for Eng
land, having placed the government in the' hands of George
Yeardly, his deputy, who after a very lax administration
of one year, was succeeded, in May, 1617, by Captain
Argal, who had been appointed deputy governor by the
company.
He was a man of great talents and energy of mind, but
selfish, haughty, and tyrannical.- He provided with abili-
ty for the wants of the colony. Martial law was continu-
ed during a season of peace ; and Mr. Brewster, who was
tried under this arbitrary system, for contemptuous words
spoken against the governor, was sentenced to suffer
death. A respite of execution was with difficulty obtain-
ed, and on an appeal to the council in England, the sen-
tence was reversed. While martial law was, according
to Stith, the common law of the land, the deputy govern-
or seems to have been the sole legislator. His edicts
mark the severity of his rule, but some of them evince an
attention to the public safety.
He ordered, that merchandise should be sold at the ad-
vance price of 25 per cent., and tobacco taken in payment
at the rate of three shillings a pcftind, under the penalty
of three year's servitude to the company ; that no person
should traffic with the Indians, or teach them the use of
fire arms, under pain of death ; that no person should
hunt deer or hogs without leave from the governor ; that
no person should shoot, unless in his own defence, until a
new supply of ammunition arrived, on pain of a year's
personal service ; that no one should go on board the
ships without the governor's leave; that every person
should go to church on Sundays, under the penalty of
slavery during that present week, for the first offence ; a
month for the second, and a year for the third.
The rigour of this administration necessarily excited
THE UNITED STATES. 27
much discontent, and the complaints of the Virginians at
length made their way to the company. Lord Delawar,
being now dead, Mr. Yeardly was appointed captain-
general, with instructions to examine with attention the
wants of the people, and to redress them.
The new governor arrived in April, 1619, and soon
after, to the inexpressible joy of the inhabitants, declared
his intentions to convoke a colonial assembly. This is an
important era in the history of Virginia. Heretofore, all
legislative authority had been exercised, either by the
corporation in England, or by their officers in this coun-
try. The people, either personally or by their represen-
tatives, had no voice in the government of themselves, and
their most important concerns were decided by persons
unacquainted with their situation, and always possessing
interests different from theirs.
This first assembly met at Jamestown on the 19th of
June, 1619. The colony was not then divided into coun-
ties, and the members were elected by the different bo-
roughs, amounting to seven in number. The assembly,
composed of the governor, the council, and burgesses,
met together in one apartment, and there debated all mat-
ters thought conducive to the general welfare. The laws
then enacted, which, it is believed, are no longer extant,
were transmitted to England for the approbation of the
treasurer and company, and were said to have been judi-
ciously formed.
The emigrations from England continued to be very
considerable, and were made at great expense to the com-
pany ; but as yet few females had ever crossed the Atlan-
tic. Men without wives could not contemplate Virginia
as a place of permanent residence, and proposed, after
amassing some wealth, to return to their native land. To
put an end to a mode of thinking in its effects so ruinous
to the colony, it was proposed to send out 100 maids as
wives for the colony ; 90 young girls were transported in
the beginning of the year 1620, and 60 more in the sub-
sequent year. They were immediately disposed of to the
young planters.
The price of a wife was estimated first at one hundred,
and afterwards at one hundred and fifty pounds of tobacco,
28 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
then selling at three shillings per pound ; and a debt so
contracted was made of greater dignity than any other.
The education of the children was likewise attended to,
and several steps were taken towards founding a college,
afterwards completely established by William and Mary.
About the same time, the company received orders from
the king to transport to Virginia 100 idle and dissolute
persons, then in the custody of the Knight Marshal. These
men, dispersed through the colony, became a useful and
acceptable addition of labourers, and were the first con-
victs transported to America.
CHAPTER III.
From the embarkation of the Plymouth Company to the
close of the Pequot War.
WE have seen with what slow and difficult steps the
first, or southern colony, although supported by individu-
als of great wealth and influence in the nation, advanced
to a firm and secure establishment. Let us now employ
our attention in viewing the establishment of the Plymouth
Company. King James first granted Letters Patent to
this company, in 1606, to possess all the lands in America
lying between 34 and 45 degrees of north latitude. They
applied for leave to go under the royal sanction, but were
refused.
At length they obtained permission from the Virginia
company to make a settlement near the mouth of Hudson's
River. It was resolved that part of the congregation should
remove first, and the remaining part, with their pastor,
after the new settlement had commenced. This produced
a scene at parting not to be described. They took their
leave of one another, which proved to be their last leave,
Urith many of them. They sailed from Holland to South-
ampton, in England, where they met the other ships, and
their friends who were to accompany them from England,
in July, 1620.
On the fifth of August they sailed from Southampton,
THE UNITED STATES. 29
but, on account of bad weather, and the leakiness of one
of their vessels, they were obliged twice to put back.
The poorer vessel they were compelled to leave, while as
many as could be accommodated, one hundred and one
persons of the adventurers, entered on board the other
ship, and took their last leave of the land of their fathers
on the sixth of September. Called to go out into a place
which they should after receive for an inheritance, they
obeyed ; and they went out, not knowing whither they
went.
After a tedious voyage, safely housed in the ark which
God in his providence had directed them to prepare, pro-
tected by Him who directs the storm, on the tenth of No-
vember they arrived at Cape Cod. The Dutch, intend-
ing to keep Hudson's River, had bribed the ship master
lo carry these adventurers so far northward, that they
should not find their intended place of residence. They
nad found land, and it was too late in the season to put to
sea again; they were in a good harbour, but on a most
barren and inhospitable shore.
On their arrival, they stepped upon the strand, and with
bended knees, gave thanks to God, who had preserved
their number entire, and brought them in safety to these
unhallowed shores. Being without the limits of their pa-
tent, as to civil government, they were in a state of na-
ture. They therefore procured and signed a civil com-
pact, by which they severally bound themselves to be
obedient to all ordinances made by the body, acknowledg-
ing the King of Great Britain to be their lawful sovereign.
They say, in the preamble, " Having undertaken, for
the glory of God, and advancement of the Christian faith,
and honour of our king and country, a voyage, to plant
the first colony in the northern parts of Virginia, do, by
these presents," &c. This instrument was executed on
board their ship, on the eleventh of November. Mr. John
Carver, a man of distinguished abilities and eminent piety,
was chosen their governor.
The prospects now before them, were such as to appal
any other than our fathers. In a most howling wilder-
ness, inhabittfl by pagan savages and wild beasts, a drea-
ry winter approaching, no shelter from the tempest, and
SO UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
as yet, no place of abode. They had one resting place,
and that was all. Their trust was in Him who hath said
to his chosen, The eternal God is thy refuge, and under-
neath are the everlasting arms ; and he shall thrust out
the enemy from before thee, and shall say, destroy them.
After several unsuccessful attempts to find a convenient
place for their residence, a party sent out for discovery,
entered the harbour of Plymouth. In a severe storm, on a
December night, having, with their little bark, narrowly
escaped a shipwreck, they w r ere cast upon an island in the
harbour. This was on Friday night. The next day, they
dried their clothes, concluding to remain on this little
island till after the Sabbath. This little band, about twen*
ty in number, observed "the next day as a Sabbath, which
was the first Sabbath ever observed in a religious manner
on the New-England shore.
Having examined the harbour, they returned to the ship,
which weighed anchor, and brought their consecrated car*
go in safety. Here these pious pilgrims landed on the
twenty-second of December, 1620. They called the place
Plymouth, the name of the town from which they last sail-
ed in England. They now had a country and a home*
but they had a better country on high.
They had now to contend with the inclement seasons^
with innumerable privations, in a constant fear of a savage
foe. But God had prepared their way before them. A
desolating plague, which prevailed among the natives
about three years before, had nearly depopulated those
parts of the country. On this account, they received very
little molestation from the savages for many years. Had
they been carried to Hudson's River, according to their
intention, where the savages were numerous, there is
much reason to believe the little colony would have been
cut off. Infinite wisdom directed their course to their
prepared habitation. We have heard with our ears, O
God, our fathers have told us, how thou didst drive out the
heathen with thy hand, and planted them.
The severities of the season, their unwholesome food,
and their incessant labours, brought upon this little flock
a general and very mortal sickness, so th* forty-six of
their number died before the opening of the ensuing
THE UNITED STATES. 31
spring. Of those who survived, the most had been se-
verely sick. Who can contemplate this little band, in an
uncultivated wilderness, with no promise of support from
their mother country, exposed to the inclement skies of
a dreary winter, with scanty supplies of food, utterly un-
skilled and destitute of the means for the cultivation of a
new country, with no security for future harvests ; sur-
rounded with a savage enemy, whose seats and prowess
they could not know ; visited with a raging disease, com-
mitting, at times, two or three in a day to the grave ; of
the living, scarcely enough who had strength to perform
the rites of sepulture ; without despondency, firmly de-
termined to abide the just appointments of Heaven and
not admire a virtue which the religion of the Lord Jesus
alone can furnish, and a patriotism to which the canonized
heroes of Rome could never attain?
Had their object been to obtain a property for them-
selves, and for their posterity, or to obtain a name among
the heroes of enterprise, they had sunk under their suf-
ferings. Their souls were strengthened with other pros-
pects. They confided in the wisdom of Heaven ; they
firmly believed that the Most High would here plant and
maintain his church ; that he would make the American
wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the garden of
the Lord.
Buoyed up by faith, strengthened by the promises, ob-
stacles vanished before them. They knew God had often
led his church into the wilderness, but he had never for*
snken her. He raised up the righteous man from the
east, brought him to a strange country, the Canaanite was
then in the land, but he gave them as the dust to his
sword, and as driven stubble to his bow.
On the fifth of April, after their arrival, the Plymouth
Company were called to mourn the loss of their excellent
governor, and a deacon of the church, Mr. Carver. Mr.
Bradford, a gentleman of distinguished worth, was chosen
to succeed him, and, excepting four years, he was annu-
ally elected to the office till his death, in 1657. A little
before the death of Mr. Carver, the Indian Sachem, Mas-
sasoit, came into Plymouth in a friendly manner, and en-
tered into a treaty of friendship with the colony, r hich
32 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
he observed inviolably till his death. He was father oi
the famous Sachem, King Philip.
After the first desolating sickness, the people of Ply-
mouth were, generally, very healthy, and the most of the
first planters who survived that epidemic, lived to old age.
Their privations, however, and their sufferings, insepara-
ble from the circumstances of their situation, were grout
in the extreme. Their property was, principally, held in
common stock for the support of the whole. And the
wants of the few first years, consumed most of their stores.
Through fear of the natives, having received some threat-
ening intimations from some of the tribes, they wore ne*
cessitated to erect a fort, to empale their whole village,
and to keep a constant guard.
In their excursions to find a proper place for settlement,
while their ship lay at the cape, they found about ten
bushels of Indian corn which had been buried, for which
they afterwards paid the owners, which helped to pre-
serve their lives the first winter, and afford them seed for
planting in the ensuing spring. Some, friendly Indians
taught them the manner of raising their corn, but their
crop was very unequal to their necessities. Mr. Hutch*-
inson is of opinion, that no English grain was raised in
the colony previous to the year 1633, when a few ears of
rye were produced.
The first domestic cattle were brought to the colony in
1624; previous to which they had none for milk or labour.
The most credible historians affirm, that these pilgrims
subsisted, in repeated instances, for days and weeks toge-
ther, without bread, feeding upon the wild nuts of the
woods, and shell fish. Their difficulties for clothing were
equally great. Some of the ancient writers intimate,
that the great mortality in the first winter appears to have
been the means, under a wise Providence, of preserving
the colony from perishing by famine.
The second summer after their arrival, the settlement
was threatened with a famine by a severe drought. From
the third week in May, to the middle of July, there was
no rain. Their corn, for ^vhich they had made their
utmost exertions, withered under the heat of a scorching
sun ; the greater part of it appeared irrecoverably lost. The
THE UNITED STATES 33
Indians, seeing their prospects, observed they would soon
be subdued by famine, when they should find them an
easy prey.
A public fast was appointed and observed with great
solemnity. The morning, and most of the day, was clear
and hot, but, towards evening, the clouds collected, and
like the gracious influences of God, the rain descended in
moderate, yet copious showers. This revived their expi-
ring crop, and produced a plentiful harvest. After which,
they observed a day of public thanksgiving. I believe
this to be the origin of our annual thanksgivings. This
event made an astonishing impression on the minds of
the natives, who saAv and acknowledged that the God of
Christians was great, and good, and a hearer of prayer.*
In the autumn of 1621, the plantation received an ac-
cession of settlers of about thirty-five, of their friends from
Holland. In the year 1(525, their venerable and beloved
pastor, the Rev. Mr. Robinson, died at Leyden, in the
fiftieth year of his age. He was^ thus prevented from
ever seeing his much loved American church. After his
death, the most of his congregation came over to Ply-
mouth.
The planters who first came to Plymouth were accom-
panied by Mr. William Brewster, a ruling elder in the
church, who supplied, in a good degree, the absence of
their pastor. He was a man of abilities and learning,
having been liberally educated at the University of Cam-
bridge, and of great piety. Being an able and useful
preacher, he served the congregation in that capacity the
greater part of the time till his death, about twenty-three
years after the first settlement. The congregation, how-
ever, enjoyed the labours of other ministers during this
period.
This little colony continued for many years in harmo-
ny, and were, perhaps, as eminent as any people which
have appeared in modern time, for continuing steadfastly
in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking
of bread, and in prayers.
In 1621, the Virginia company passed an ordinance
* See Morton, and others.
34 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
establishing the constitution of the colony. This pro-
vided, that henceforth there should be two supreme coun-
cils in Virginia, the one to be called the council of state,
to be appointed and displaced by the treasurer and com-
pany, and to assist the governor with advice on executive
subjects ; the other to be denominated the general assem-
bly, and to consist of the governor, the council, and two
burgesses, to be chosen for the present by the inhabitants
of every town.
The assembly was empowered to consult and determine
on matters respecting the public weal. It was declared,
that no acts passed by the assembly should be in force
until confirmed by the general court in England, and the
ratification returned under its seal, and that, on the
other hand, no order of the general court should bind
the colony until assented to by the assembly. In 162^,
the controversy which had for some time existed be-
tween the crown and the company, concerning the im-
portation of tobacco, was at length adjusted by amicable
agreement.
The king had demanded high duties on that article,
while he admitted its importation from the dominions of
Spain, and had also restrained the company from trans-
porting it directly from Virginia to their warehouses in
Holland, to which expedient his exactions had driven
them. It was now agreed, that they should enjoy the
sole right of importing that commodity into the kingdom,
for which they should pay a duty of nine pence per pound,
in lieu of all charges, and that the whole productions of
the colony should be brought to England. The industry
of the colony had now greatly increased. At peace with
the Indians, their settlements had extended not only along
the banks of James and York rivers, but to the Rappa-
hannoc, and even to the Potowmac.
It now became extremely inconvenient to bring all
causes to Jamestown before the governor and council.
Thus originated the present county courts of Virginia.
In this year the cup of prosperity, of which the colony
now began to taste, was dashed from their lips, by an
event which shook to its foundation, and nearly destroyed
the colony. In the year 1618, Powhatan, the most pow~
THE UNITED STATES. 35
erful of the Indian kings in Virginia, who, after the mar-
riage of his daughter to Mr. Rolfe, had remained faithful
to the English, departed this life, and was succeeded by
Opechancanough, a bold and cunning chief, remarkable
for his jealousy and hatred of the new settlers ; but for a
considerable time the general peace remained undisturbed.
The Indians were furnished with fire arms, and taught
the use of them ; they were admitted at all times freely
into '^e habitations of the English, as harmless visitants ;
were fed at their tables, and lodged in their chambers.
The 22d of March, was designated as the day on which all
the English were to be at the same instant attacked.
Thus, in one hour, and almost at the same instant, fell
347 men, women, and children. The massacre would
have been still greater, had not information been given
the preceding night, to a Mr. Pace, by an Indian, who
disclosed to him the plot. He immediately carried the
intelligence to Jamestown, and the alarm was given to
some of the nearest settlements, which were thereby
saved.
As soon as intelligence reached England of these cala-
mities of the sufferers, relief was ordered. Arms from
the tower were delivered to the treasurer and company,
and several vessels were immediately despatched with ar-
ticles for their relief. While the Virginians were mourn-
ing their losses, the Plymouth company began to experi-
ence the distress of famine. By the time their planting
was finished, 1623, their provisions were so far exhausted,
that they had neither bread nor corn, for three or four
months. A drought continued from May until some time
in July. Under these afllictions, they appointed a day of
fasting and prayer, to humble themselves before God.
But a plentiful harvest soon followed, which was noticed
by a day of thanksgiving.
Mr. White, a non-conformist minister at Dorchester,
who had prevented some few of his countrymen who had
settled around the Bay at Massachusetts, from returning
to England, by his assurances of procuring tl-em relief and
assistance, formed by great exertions an association of
several gentlemen, who had imbibed puritanical opinions,
for the purpose of conducting thither a co) >v ind ren-
36 UNIVERSAL HISTORY CF
(lering it an asylum from the persecution of his own per-
suasion. In prosecution of their views, a treaty was con-
cluded with the council of Plymouth, for the purchase of
part of New-England ; and that corporation, in March,
1627, conveyed to Sir Henry Roswell, and others, all that
pait of New-England lying three miles to the south of
Charles River, and three miles north of Merrmiack River,
and extending from the Atlantic to the south sea.
A small number of planters and servants were soon af-
terwards despatched under Endicot, a- deep enthusiast,
who, in September, 1628, laid the foundation of Salem,
the first permanent town in Massachusetts. In the year
1629, soon after the organization of the company, under
the sanction of the royal charter, they resolved a second
embarkation for their new colony, to support the expenses
of which, it was resolved, that every person who should
subscribe fifty pounds, should be entitled to two hundred
acres of land, as the first dividend.
Five ships were provided for the purpose, and bein-
laden with cattle and other necessaries, for the supply of
the colony, with three hundred persons, men, women.
and children, they sailed from the Isle of "Wight, in May.
and arrived at Salem in June, where they found Endicot.
to whom they brought a confirmation of his commission
as governor. The colony now consisted of three hundred
persons, of whom one hundred removed and settled the
town of Charlestown ; and the remainder continued at
Salem. Mr. Hugginson and Mr. Skelton, distinguished
for their learning and piety, both of them, resolved to lend
important services in laying the foundation of the Ameri-
can Church. These faithful servants of Christ cordially
engaged in the great design ; they embarked with the se-
cond party, and arrived at Salem in 1629.
Early in the following year, John Winthrop, who had
been appointed governor, and Thomas Dudley, deputy
governor, with one thousand five hundred persons, em-
barked on board of seventeen vessels, at an expense of
upwards of twenty thousand pounds, and arrived at
Salem in July, 1630. Dissatisfied with this situation, they
explored the country in quest of a better station, and sel-
THE UNITED STATES. 37
tied in many places around the bay ; and laid the founda*
tion of several towns ; among others, of Boston.
On the arrival of Gov. Winthrop, in July, who was
from that time to his death, the head and father of the co-
lony, he found the plantation in a suffering state. In the
preceding autumn, the colony contained about three hun-
dred inhabitants ; eighty of them died, and a great part of
the survivors were in a weak, sickly state. Their supply
of corn was not sufficient for more than a fortnight, and
their provisions nearly exhausted. Friday, February 6th,
was appointed as a day of fasting and prayer ; but on the
fifth of February, a ship arrived with provisions, and a
day of thanksgiving was appointed by the governor.
The succeeding winter commenced in December, with
great severity ; few of the houses which had been erected
were comfortable. Unused to such severities of climate,
the people suffered severely from the cold. Many of them
died from the cold. On the opening of the spring of 1631,
health was generally restored in the settlements ; but the
colony was greatly impoverished. All the provisions
that were brought from England, were purchased at a very
high rate. By the length of the passage, and the severity
of the winter, the greater part of their cattle died. The
materials for building, and implements of labour, were ob-
tained with great difficulty and expense. This year, great
exertions were made for a crop of Indian corn, which was
their whole dependance ; and it pleased God to give them
an abundant harvest.
In the commencement of all the individual settlements,
the planters were mindful of their great errand into the
wilderness ; and directed their first exertions to the esta
blishmentofthe church of Christ, and the institution of the
gospel. The first church after the one at Salem was
gathered at Charlestown, August 27th, 1630. Soon after
this a church was organized at Dorchester. The next
was at Boston, one at Roxbury, one at Lynn, and one at
Watertown. In less than two years from the organiza-
tion of the first church in Salem, there were in the colon?
seven churches, which were indeed golden candlesticks.
In 1633 came over Mr. Haynes, afterwards the first
governor of Connecticut, and Mr. Stone, Mr. Booker,
4
38 UNIVERSAL nusTORY OF
and Mr. Cotton, three of the most eminent lights of the
New-England churches.
On the 21st of February, an order was made by the
king in council, to stop the ships at that time ready to
sail, freighted with passengers and provisions for New-
England. But this order seems never to have been strictly
executed, as the emigrations still continued, without any
sensible diminution.
Let me now call the attention of the reader to the set
tlement of Connecticut. The first discovery of the coun-
try of Connecticut River was made by the enterprising
people of Plymouth, in 1633. The Plymouth people de-
termined to undertake the enterprise at their own risk.
Preparations were made for erecting a trading house, and
establishing a small company upon the river.
In the mean time, the master of a vessel from Massa-
chusetts, who was trading at New-Netherlands, showed
to the Dutch Governor the commission the English had to
trade and settle in New-England ; and that the king had
granted these parts to his own subjects ; he also desired
that the Dutch would not build in Connecticut. The
Dutch governor requested that the English would not set-
tle in Connecticut until the affair should be determined be-
tween them. This appears to have been a piece of po
licy in the Dutch governor, to keep the English back until
the Dutch had got a firm footing upon the river.
In September, several vessels went into Connecticut
River to trade. John Oldham, from Dorchester, with a
few men, travelled through Connecticut, to view the coun-
try and trade Avith the Indians. He found that the In-
dian hemp grew in great abundance in the meadows, and
purchased a quantity of it, which, upon trial, was found to
exceed that which grew in England. William Holmes,
of Plymouth, with his company, having prepared the frame
of a house, and boards and materials for covering it, imme-
diately put them on board a vessel, and sailed for Con-
necticut.
When he came into the river, he found that the Dutch
had got in before him, and made a light fort, and planted
two pieces of cannon at the mouth of the little river since
called Hartford. The Dutch forbade Holmes going up
THE UNITED STATES. 39
the river stood by their cannon, and ordered him to strike
his colours, or they would fire upon him ; but he was a
man of spirit, and assured them that he had a commis-
sion from the governor of Plymouth, to go up the river,
and go he \vould. They still threatened, but he pro-
ceeded landed on the west side of the river, and erected
his house a little below the mouth of the little river in
Windsor.
This was the first house erected in Connecticut. It
was covered with the utmost despatch, and well fortified.
The Sachems, who were original owners of the soil, had
been driven from this point of the country by the Pe-
quots, and were now carried home on board Holmes' ves-
sel. The Dutch, about the same time, erected a trading
house at Hartford. It was with great difficulty that
Holmes and his company erected and fortified their house,
ind kept it afterwards. The Dutch, before the Plymouth
people took possession of the river, had been invited to
trade with them at Connecticut ; but when they found that
they were preparing for a settlement there, they repented
of the invitation, and did all in their power to prevent
them.
On the 8th of June, the Dutch purchased about twenty
acres of land at Hartford, of a Pequod captain. Of this
the Dutch took possession ; they pro tested against Holmes,
the builder of the trading house. Some time afterwards,
the Dutch governor dispatched a reinforcement from fort
Amsterdam to Connecticut, designing to drive Holmes
and his company from the river. A band of seventy
men assaulted the Plymouth house ; but they found it too
well fortified, and gave up their design.
In November and December, the small pox raged
among the Indians ; two Sachems, with a great part of
their Indians, died. When their own people forsook
them, the English, who lived near them, went to their wig-
wams, and ministered to them. Some families spent al-
most their whole time with them. One Englishman
buried thirty of their dead in one day.
In 1634, at a meeting of the General Court in Sep-
tember, the people of Newtown made application for
liberty to remove to Connecticut river. Mr. Hooker,
40 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
acting as principal advocate for the people, the court re-
fused to give their consent; and the design was given
over. In 1635, permission was granted, on condition
that the new settlement should continue subject to the ju-
risdiction of Massachusetts. The people of Newtown,
Dorchester, and Watertown, now began to prepare for
their new habitation. In the course of the season, seve-
ral people went to Connecticut river; some by water,
some through the wilderness.
The Dorchester men sat down at Windsor, near the
Plymouth trading house. They purchased the building
and land owned by the Plymouth people. The people
from Newtown, of whom but few removed till the follow-
ing year, settled at Hartford. The Watertown settlers
began the town of Wethersfield. In 1636, about one
hundred persons, men, women, and children, led by the
Rev. Messrs. Hooker and Stone, together with their
horses, cattle, and swine, commenced their journey through
the wilderness to Connecticut River. They travelled
about two weeks on foot, during which time they lived
npon the milk of their cows.
By the 25th of November, Connecticut River was frozen
over ; heavy falls of snow succeeded, and the season was
very severe. Several small vessels, which had been laden
with their furniture and provisions, sailed from Boston,
and were wrecked on the coast. By the last of Novem-
ber provisions began to fail in the settlements on the river,
and death looked them sternly in the face. Thirteen in
one company, driven by hunger, attempted their way in
this severe season. In passing the river one of their
company fell through the ice, and was drowned, the., other
twelve were kept from perishing by the Indians, and ar-
rived in Massachusetts in ten days.
Their distress was so great, that by the first of Decem-
ber a considerable part of the men settlers were obliged
to abandon their habitations. As the only means of pre-
serving their lives, about seventy persons, men, women,
and children, left their settlements, and went down the
river, in hopes of meeting with their provisions. As
their expectation failed, they went on board the Rebecca,
lying near the mouth of the river. This, but two days
THE UNITED STATES. 41
before, was frozen in twenty miles up the river, but was
released by the falling of a small rain, and reached Boston
in five days. Had it not been for a very quick passage,
the people must have perished.
The people that kept their situations on the river suf-
fered extremely. After all the help they were able to
obtain by hunting, and from the Indians, they were obliged
to subsist on acorns, malt, and grain. The number of
cattle that could not be got over before winter, living
upon what they found in the woods and meadows, win-
tered better than those which were brought over ; how-
ever, a great number of them perished. Early in the
spring, those who went from Connecticut to spend the
winter with their friends, began to return to their new
habitations.
The first court held in Connecticut, was held at New-
town, April 26th, 1636.
Towards the last of the year 1635, Mr. Winthrop, son
of the Massachusetts governor, the worthy character who
afterwards procured the Connecticut charter, arrived at
Boston, with a commission from Lords Say and Seal,
Lord Brook, and others, to take possession of Connecti-
cut River, and build a fort, which they had named Say-
brook.
In a few days a Dutch vessel appeared off the harbour,
sent to take possession of the entrance of the river, and
erect fortifications; but the English had by this time
mounted two cannon, and prevented their landing. Thus,
providentially, was this fine tract of country preserved for
onr venerable ancestors, and their posterity.
In September, 1636, Mr. Pynchion, with a part of the
people of Roxbury, began the settlement of the town of
Springfield; but no sooner had the English begun to
trade, and make settlements in Connecticut, than the Pe-
quods began to murder, and kill their cattle. In 1634
they murdered Captains Stone and Norton, with their
whole crew, consisting of eight men ; they then plunder-
ed and sunk the vessel.
In November following, the Pequods sent a messenger
to Boston, for the purpose of obtaining peace with the
English. He made an offer of a great quantity of beaver
4*
42 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
skins, to persuade the governor to enter into a league with
them. The governor assured them that the English were
willing to make peace, on condition that they would give
up the murderers of Captain Stone and his men ; the In-
dians assured him that the murderers were all dead but
two, and they would give them up to justice ; they offered
to give up their right at Connecticut river, if the English
desired to settle there, and engaged to assist them as far
as was in their power, in making settlements ; they also
agreed that they would give the English forty beaver, and
thirty otter skins. The governor and council entered
into a treaty with them on the conditions they proposed.
Whatever their designs were at that time, they soon after-
wards became more and more mischievous, hostile and
bloody.
In 1636, John Oldham was murdered near Block
Island. He had with him two boys, and two Narraganset
Indians ; these were taken and carried off. John Gallup,
as he was going from Connecticut to Boston, discovered
Mr. Oldham's vessel full of Indians, and saw a canoe go
from her laden with goods. Suspecting they had murder-
ed Mr. Oldham, he hailed them, but received no answer.
Gallup was a bold man ; and although he had but one man
and two boys with him, he immediately bore down upon
her, and fired duck shot so thick among them, that he
soon cleared the deck.
The Indians all got under the hatches. He then stood
off, bore down upon her, with a brisk gale, and nearly
overset her, which so frightened the Indians that several
jumped overboard, and were drowned ; he then stood off,
and, running down upon her the second time, raked her
fore and aft with his shot, and, running down upon her a
third time, he gave her such a shock, that five more jump-
ed overboard and were drowned. He then boarded her,
and took two of the Indians and bound them. Two or
three others, armed with swords, in a little room below,
could not be driven out. Mr. Oldham's corpse was found
on board ; his head split, and the body mangled in a bar-
barous manner.
Gallup ancj his men, then, as decently as possible, put
the corpse into the sea. After taking her rigging and
THE UNITED STATES, 43
goods, which had not been carried off, they were obliged
to let her go adrift, and she was lost. The Indians who
committed the murder were chiefly Block Islanders and
Narragansets. The governor and council of Massachu-
setts despatched Captain Endicott, with ninety volunteers,
to avenge the murder.
The Narraganset Sachems sent home Mr. Oldham's
two boys, and made peace with them ; but the other In-
dians made no compensation. Captain Endicott was
ordered to proceed to Block Island, put the men to the
sword, and take possession of the island, but to spare the
women and children. They sailed from Boston 25th of
August. When they arrived at Block Island, forty or
fifty Indians appeared on shore, and opposed his landing.
After a short skirmish, the Indians fled to the woods.
After the English had spent two days on the islands,
burning the wigwams, destroying the corn, and staving
their canoes, they sailed for the Pequot country: when
they had arrived in Pequot harbour, Captain Endicott ac-
quainted the Pequots with his design ; in a few hours
about three hundred Pequots appeared upon the shore ;
but as soon as they were fully informed of his business,
they began to withdraw into the woods. He landed his
men on both sides of the harbour, burnt their wigwams,
destroyed their canoes, killed one or two Indians, and re-
turned to Boston.
This measure, instead of allaying, seemed to increase
their hostility ; several persons were taken near Saybrook
fort, and tortured with savage barbarity. About the be-
ginning of October, the enemy concealed themselves in
the grass in the meadow, and surprised five of the garri-
son at Saybrook, as they were carrying home their hay.
One Butterfield was taken and tortured to death, the rest
made their escape. Eight or ten days after, Joseph Fil-
ley, a master of a small vessel, was taken as he was going
down the Connecticut River. He came to anchor about
three miles above the fort, and taking a canoe, and one
man with him, went a fowling.
No sooner had he discharged his piece, than a large
number of Pequots, arising from their concealment, took
him, and killed his companion. The Indians used him in
44 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
the most barbarous manner, first cutting off his hands
and then his feet, thus torturing him to death. As he did
not groan, they pronounced him a stout man.
In March, 1627, Lieutenant Gardiner, who commanded
the fort at Saybrook, going out with about twelve men to
burn their marshes, was waylaid near a narrow neck of
land ; the enemy rose upon him, killed three of his men,
and wounded several. The enemy pursued them in great
numbers to the fort, and compassed it on all sides. They
challenged the English to come out and fight; they
boasted that they could kill the English-men all one
flies ; mocked the groans of the wounded. But the can-
non being loaded with grape shot was fired among them,
which caused them to groan in reality.
Soon after, the enemy, in a number of canoes, beset a
shallop, going down the river, with three men on board ;
the men fought bravely, but were overpowered by num-
bers, and taken. The Indians ripped them up from the
bottom of their bellies to their throats, and cleft them down
their backs. They then hung them upon trees beside the
river, in full view of the English, as they passed up and
down, on the river.
At a court holden at Hartford, it was decreed that the
plantation of Newtown should be named Hartford, and
that Watertown should be named Wethersfield, and that
Dorchester should be called Windsor.
In April, the Indians waylaid the people at Wethers-
field, as they were going into the fields to labour, and kill-
ed six men and three women ; two maids were taken cap-
tive, twenty cows killed, and other damages done to the
inhabitants.
The court holden at Hartford, May 1st, 1637, resolved
to prosecute the war with the Pequots ; that ninety men
should be raised ; forty-two from Hartford, thirty from
Windsor, and eighteen from Wethersfield. Massachu-
setts determined to send two hundred, and Plymouth for-
ty men, to assist Connecticut in prosecuting the war.
On Wednesday, the 10th of May, the troops fell down
the river, for the fort at Saybrook. They consisted of 90
Englishmen, and about 70 Mohegan and River Indians.
They embarked on board a pink, a pinnance, and a shal-
THE UNITED STATES. 45
lop. The Indians were commanded by Uncas, sachem of
the Mohegans. The whole was commanded by Captain
John Mason, who had been bred a soldier in the old coun-
tries. The Rev. Mr. Stone, of Hartford, went their chap-
lain. On Monday, the 15th, the troops arrived at Say-
brook fort. As the water was low, this little fleet several
times ran aground. The Indians, impatient of delays, de-
sired to be set on shore, promising to join the English at
Saybrook. The captain, therefore, granted their request.
On their march they fell in with about forty of the enemy,
near the fort, killed seven, and took one prisoner.
The prisoner had been a perfidious villian. He had
lived in the fort some time before, and could speak Eng-
lish well. But after the Pequots commenced hostilities
against the English, he became a constant spy upon the
garrison, and acquainted Sassacus with every thing he
could discover. He had been present at the slaughter of
all the English who had been killed at Saybrook.
Uncas, and his men, insisted upon executing him ac-
cording to the manner of their ancestors ; and the English,
in the circumstances in which they then were, did not judge
it prudent to interpose. The Indians, kindling a large
fire, violently tore him limb from limb. Barbarously cut-
ting his flesh in pieces, they handed it round from one to
another, eating it, singing and dancing round the fire, in
their violent and tumultuous manner. The bones, and
such parts of their captive, as were not consumed in this
dreadful repast, were committed to the flames, and burnt to
ashes.
This success was matter of joy, not only as it was a
check upon the enemy, but it was an evidence of the fide-
lity of Uncas, and his Indians, of which the English had
been before in doubt. There were other circumstances,
however, which more than counterbalanced this joy. The
army lay wind bound until Friday, and Captain Mason and
his officers were entirely divided in opinion, with respect
to the manner of prosecuting their enterprise. The court,
by the commission and instructions which it had given,
enjoined the landing of the men at Pequot harbour, and
that from thence they should advance upon the enemy.
The captain was for passing by them, and sailing to the
46 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
Narraganset country. He was fixed in this opinion, be-
cause that, expecting the army at Pequot harbour, they
kept watch upon the river night and day. Their number
of men greatly exceeded his. He was informed,' at Say-
brook, that they had sixteen fire arms, with powder and
shot. The harbour was compassed with rocks and thick-
ets, affording the enemy every advantage. They were
upon the land, and exceedingly light-footed. He was
therefore of the opinion, that they would render it very
difficult and dangerous to land, and that he might sustain
such loss, as would discourage his men, and frustrate the
design of the expedition.
If they should make good their landing, he was sure,
that while they directed their march through the country,
to the enemy's forts, they would waylay, and attack them
with their whole force, at every difficult pass. Besides,
if they should find, on trial, that they were not able to de-
feat the English, they would run off to swamps and fast-
nesses, where they could not be found ; and they should
not be able to effect any thing capital against them. He
was not without hopes, that, by going to Narraganset,
he might surprise them. There was also some prospect
that the Narragansets would join him in the expedition,
and that he might fall in with some part of the troops from
Massachusetts.
His officers and men in general were for attending
their instructions, and going at all hazards directly to the
forts. The necessity of their affairs at home the danger
of the Indians attacking their families and settlements in
their absence, made them wish at once to despatch the
business on which they had been sent. They did not re-
lish a long march through the wilderness. They also
imagined that they might be discovered, even should they
determine to march from Narraganset to the attack of the
enemy. In this division of opinion, Mr. Stone was de-
sired by the officers most importunately to pray for them,
that their way might be directed, and that, notwithstand-
ing the present embarrassment, the enterprise might be
crowned with success.
Mr. Stone spent most of Thursday night in prayer, and
the next morning visiting Captain Mason, assured him,
THE UNITED STATES. 47
that he had done as he was desired ; adding, that he was
entirely satisfied with his plan. The council was again
called ; and, upon a full view of all the reasons, unani-
mously agreed to proceed to Narraganset. It was also
determined that twenty men should be sent back to Con-
necticut, to strengthen the infant settlements, while the
rest of the troops were employed in service against the
enemy ; and, that Captain Underbill, with nineteen men,
from the garrison at Saybrook fort, should supply their
places.
On Friday, May 19th, the captain sailed for Narra-
ganset bay, and arrived on Saturday at the desired port.
On Monday, Captain Mason and Captain Underbill marched
with a guard to the plantation of Canonicus, and ac-
quainted him with the design of their 'coming. A mes-
senger was immediately dispatched to Miantonimoh, the
chief sachem of the Narragansetts, to acquaint him also
with the expedition.
The next day Miantonimoh met them, with his chief
counsellors and warriors, consisting of about 200 men.
Captain Mason certified him that the occasion of his
coming with armed men into his country, was to avenge the
intolerable injuries which the Pequots, his as well as their
enemies, had done the English; and that he desired a
free passage to the Pequot forts. After a solemn con-
sultation in the Indian manner, Miantonimoh answered,
That he highly approved of the expedition, and that he
would send men. He observed, however, that the En-
glish were not sufficient in number to fight with the
enemy. He said the Pequots were great captains, skilled
in war, and rather slighted the English.
Captain Mason landed his men, and marched just at
night to the plantation of Canonicus, which was Ap-
pointed to be the place of general rendezvous. That
night there arrived an Indian-xrunner in the camp, with a
letter from Captain Patrick, who had arrived with his party
at Mr. William's plantation in Providence. Captain Pat-
rick signified his desire that Captain Mason would wait
until he could join him. Upon deliberation, it was de-
termined not to wait, though a junction was greatly de-
sired. The men had already been detained much longer
48 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
than was agreeable to their wishes. When they had ab-
solutely resolved the preceding day to march the next
morning, the Indians insisted that they were but in jest ;
that Englishmen talked much, but would not fight.
It was, therefore, feared that any delay would have a
bad effect upon them. It was also suspected that, if they
did not proceed immediately, they should be discovered,
as there were a number of squaws who maintained an in-
tercourse between the Pequot and Narraganset Indians
The army, therefore, consisting of seventy-seven En-
glishmen, sixty Mohegan and River Indians, and about
two hundred Narragansets, marched on Wednesday morn-
ing, and that day reached the eastern Nihantic, about
eighteen or twenty miles from the place of rendezvous
the night before. This was a frontier to the Pequots,
and was the seat of one of the Narraganset sachems.
Here the army halted at the close of the day. But
the sachem, and his Indians, conducted themselves in a
haughty manner towards the English, and would not suf-
fer them to enter within their fort. Captain Mason, there-
fore, placed a strong guard round the fort, and as the In-
dians would not suffer him to enter it, he determined that
none of them should come out. Knowing the perfidy of
the Indians, and that it was customary among them to
suffer the nearest relatives of their greatest enemies to
reside with them, he judged it necessary, to prevent their
discovering him to the enemy.
In the morning a considerable number of Miantoni-
moh's men came on and joined the English. This en-
couraged many of the Nihanticks also to join them. They
soon formed a circle, and made protestations how gal-
lantly they would fight, and what numbers they would
kill. When the army marched, the next morning, the
captain had with him nearly five hundred Indians. He
marched twelve miles, to the ford in Pawcatuck River.
The day was very hot, and the men, through the great
heat, and a scarcity of provision, began to faint. The
army, therefore, made a considerable halt, and refreshed
themselves. Here the Narraganset Indians began to
manifest their dread of the Pequots, and to inquire of
Captain Mason, with great anxiety, what were his real
THE UNITED STATES. 49
designs. He assured them, that it was his design to at
tack the Pequots in their forts. At this they appeared to
be panic struck, and filled with amazement. Many ot
them drew off, and returned to Narraganset.
The army marched on about three miles, and came to
Indian corn fields, and the captain, imagining that he
drew near the enemy, made a halt : he called his guides
and council, and demanded of the Indians how far it wa:$
to the forts. They represented, that it was twelve miles
to Sassacus's fort, and that both forts were in a manner
impregnable. Wequosh, a Pequot captain or petty sa-
chem, who had revolted from Sassacus to the Narragan-
sets, was the principal guide, and he proved faithful.
He gave such information respecting the distance of
the forts from each other, and the distance which they
were then at from the chief sachem's, as determined him
and his officers to alter the resolution which they had be-
fore adopted, of attacking them both at once, and to make
a united attack upon that at Mistic. He found his men
so fatigued, in marching through a pathless wilderness,
with their provisions, arms, and ammunition, and so af-
fected with the heat, that this resolution appeared to be
absolutely necessary. One of Captain Underbill's men
became lame, at the same time, and began to fail. The
army, therefore, proceeded directly to Mistic, and, con-
tinuing their march, came to a small swamp between two
hills, just at the disappearing of the daylight.
The officers, supposing that they were now near the
fort, pitched their little camp between or near two large
rocks in Groton, since called Porter's Rocks. The men
were faint and weary, and though the rocks were their
pillows, their rest was sweet. The guards and sentinels
were considerably advanced, in the front of the army,
and heard the enemy singing at the fort, who continued
their rejoicings even until midnight. They had seen the
vessels pass the harbour some days before, and had con-
cluded that the English were afraid, and had not courage
to attack them. They were, therefore, rejoicing, singing,
dancing, insulting them, and wearying themselves, on
this account.
The night was serene, and, towards morning, the moon
5
50 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
shone clear. The important crisis was now come, when
the very existence of Connecticut, under Providence,
was to be determined by the sword in a single action,
and to be decided by the good conduct of less than eighty
brave men. The Indians who remained were now sorely
dismayed, and though, at first, they had led the van, and
boasted of great feats, yet were now all fallen back in the
rear.
About two hours before day the men were roused with
all expedition, and briefly commending themselves, and
their cause, to God, advanced immediately towards the
fort. After a march of about two miles, they came to the
foot of a large hill, where a fine country opened before
them. The captain, supposing thav the fort could not be
far distant, sent for the Indians in the rear to comejip.
Uncas and Wequosh at length appeared. He demand-
ed of them where the fort was. They answered, on the
top of the hill. He demanded of them, where were the
other Indians.
They answered, that they were much afraid. The cap-
tain sent to them not to fly, but to surround the fort, at any
distance they pleased, and see whether Englishmen would
fight. The day was nearly dawning, and no time was to
be lost. The men pressed on, in two divisions, Captain
Mason to the northeastern, and Captain Underbill to the
western entrance. As the object which they had been so
long seeking came into view, and while they reflected they
were to fight not only for themselves, but their parents,
wives, children, and the whole colony, the martial spirit
kindled in their bosoms, and they were wonderfully ani-
mated.
As Captain Mason advanced within a rod or two of the
fort, a dog barked, and an Indian roared out, Owanux !
Owanux ! That is, Englishmen ! Englishmen ! The
troops pressed on, and as the Indians were rally ing,, pour-
ed in upon them, through the pallisadoes, a general dis-
charge of their muskets, and then wheeling oft' to the prin-
cipal entrance, entered the fort sword in hand. Notwith-
standing the suddenness of the attack, the blaze and thun-
der of their arms, the enemy made a manly and desperate
jresi stance. Captain Mason, and his party, drove the In-
THE UNITED STATES. 51
dians in the main street towards the west part of the fort,
where some bold men, who had forced their way, met
them, and made such slaughter among them,, that the
street was soon clear of the enemy. They secreted them-
selves in and behind their wigwams, and taking advan-
tage of every covert, maintained an obstinate defence.
The Captain, and his men, entered the wigwams, where
they were beset with many Indians, who took every advan-
tage to shoot them, and lay hands upon them, so that it
was with great difficulty that they could defend themselves
with their swords. After a severe conflict, in which ma-
ny of the Indians were slain, some of the English killed,
and others sorely wounded, the victory still hung in sus-
pense. The Captain, finding himself much exhausted,
and out of breath, as well as his men, by the extraordinary
exertions which they had made ; in this critical state of ac-
tion, had recourse to a successful expedient. He cries
out to his men, We must burn them.
He immediately entered a wigwam, took fire, and put it
into the mats, with which the wigwams were covered.
The fire, instantly kindling, spread with such violence
that all the Indian houses were soon wrapped in flames.
As the fire increased, the English retired without the fort,
and compassed it on every side. Uncas, and his Indians,
with such of the Narragansets as yet remained, took cou-
rage from the example of the English, and formed another
circle in the rear of them.
The enemy were now seized with astonishment, and
forced by the flames from their lurking places, into open
light, became a fair mark for the English soldiers. Some
climbed the pallisadoes, and were instantly brought down
by the fire of the English muskets. Others, desperately
sallying forth from their burning cells, were shot, or cut
in pieces with the sword. Such terror fell upon them,
that they would run back from the English into the very
flames. Great numbers perished in the conflagration.
The greatness and violence of the fire, the reflection of
the light, the flashing and roar of the arms, the shrieks
and veilings of the men, women, and children, in the fort,
and the shoutings of the Indians without, just at the dawn--
ing of the morning, exhibited a grand and awful scene. In
52 , UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
a little more than an hour, this whole work of destruction
was finished. Seventy wigwams were burnt, and fhte or
six hundred Indians perished, either by the sword or in
the flames.* A hundred and fifty warriors had been sent
on the evening before, who that very morning were to
have gone forth against the English. Of these, and all
who belonged to the fort, seven only escaped, and seven
were made prisoners. It had been previously concluded
not to burn the fort, but to destroy the enemy, and take
the plunder ; but the captain afterwards found it the only
expedient to obtain the victory, and save his men. Thus
parents and children, the sannup and squaw, the old man
and babe, perished in promiscuous ruin.
Though the victory was complete, yet the army were
in great danger and distress. The men had been ex-
ceedingly fatigued, by the heat and long marches through
rough and difficult places, and by that constant watch and
guard which they had been obliged to keep. They had
now been greatly exhausted, by the sharpness of the ac-
tion, and the exertions which they had been necessitated
to make. Their loss was very considerable. Two men
were killed, and nearly twenty wounded.
This was more than one quarter of the English. Num-
bers fainted by reason of fatigue, the heat, and want of
necessaries. The surgeon, their provisions, and the ar-
ticles necessary for the wounded, were on board the ves-
sels which had been ordered to sail from the Narraganset
bay the night before, for Pequot harbour ; but there was
no appearance of them in the Sound. They were sen-
sible that, by the burning of the fort, and the noise of
war, they had alarmed the country, and therefore were
in constant expectation of an attack, by a fresh and nu-
merous enemy from the other fortress, and from every
quarter whence the Pequots might be collected.
A number of friendly Indians had been wounded, and
they were so distracted with fear, that it was difficult even
to speak with their guide and interpreter, or to know any
thing what they designed. The English were in an ene-
* Captain Mason, in his history, says, six or seven hundred. From
the number of wigwams, and the reinforcement, the probability is, that
about six hundred were destroyed.
THE UNITED STATES. 53
my's country, and entire strangers to the way in which
they must return. The enemy were far more numerous
than themselves, and enraged to the highest degree. An-
other circumstance rendered their situation still more
dangerous ; their provisions and ammunition were nearly
expended. Four or five men were so wounded that it
was necessary to carry them ; and they were also obliged
to bear about twenty fire arms, so that not more than
forty men could be spared for action.
After an interval of about an hour, while the officers
were in consultation what course they should take, their
vessels, as though guided by the hand of Providence, to
serve the necessities of these brave men, came full in
view, and, under a fair gale, were steering directly into
the harbour. This, in the situation of the army at that
time, was a most joyful sight.
Immediately upon the discovery of the vessels, aboui
three hundred Indians came on from the other fort. Cap-
tain Mason, perceiving their approach, led out a chosen
party to engage them, and try their temper. He gave
them such a warm reception, as soon checked and put
them to a stand. This gave him great encouragement,
and he ordered the army to march for Pequot harbour.
The enemy, upon this, immediately advanced to the hill
where the fort stood ; and viewing the destruction which
had been made, stamped, and tore their hair from their
heads. After a short pause, and blowing themselves up
to the highest transport of passion, they leaped down the
hill after the army, in the most violent manner, as though
they were about to run over the English.
Captain Underbill, who, with a number of the best
men, was ordered to defend the rear, soon checked the
eagerness of their pursuit, and taught them to keep at
more respectful distance. The friendly Indians who ha
not deserted, now kept close to the English ; and, it was
believed, that after the enemy came on, they were afraid
to leave them. The enemy pursued the army nearly six
miles ; sometimes shooting at a distance, from behind the
rocks and trees, and, at other times, pressing on more
violently, and desperately hazarding themselves in the
~^en field.
5*
54 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
That the English might be enabled to fight, Captain
Mason soon hired the Indians to carry the wounded men
and their arms. The English killed several of the ene-
my while they pursued them, but sustained no loss them-
selves. When they killed a Pequot, the other Indians
would shout, run, and fetch his head. At length the ene-
my, finding that they could make no impression upon the
army, and that wounds and death attended their attempts,
gave over the pursuit.
The army then marched to the harbour, with their co-
lours flying, and were received on board the vessels, with
great mutual joy and congratulation,
In about three weeks from the time the men embarked
at Hartford, they returned again to their respective habi-
tations. They were received with the greatest exultation.
As the people had been deeply affected with their danger,
and full of anxiety for their friends, while nearly half the
effective men in the colony were in service, upon so
hazardous an enterprise, so sudden a change, in the great
victory obtained, and in the safe return of so many of their
children and neighbours, filled them with exceeding joy
and thankfulness. Every family, and every worshipping
assembly, spoke the language of praise and thanksgiving.
Several circumstances attending this enterprise were
much noticed by the soldiers themselves, and especially
by all the pious people. It was considered as very pro-
vidential, that the army should march nearly forty miles,
and a considerable part of it in the enemy's country, and
not be discovered until the moment they were ready to
commence the attack. It was judged remarkable, that
the vessels should come into the harbour at the very hour
in which they were most needed.
The life of Captain Mason was very signally preserved.
As he entered a wigwam for fire to burn the fort, an In-
dian was drawing an arrow to the very head, and would
KTr e killed him instantly ; but Davis, one of his sergeants,
cut tne bow-string with his cutlass, and prevented the
fatal shot. Lieutenant Bull received an arrow into a hard
piece of cheese, which he had in his clothes, and by it
was saved harmless. Two soldiers, John Dyer and Tho-
mas Stiles, both servants of one man, were shot in the
THE UNITED STATES. 55
knots of their neckcloths, and by them preserved from
instant death.
Few enterprises have ever been achieved with more
personal bravery or good conduct. In few instances have
so great a proportion of the effective men of a whole
colony, state, or nation, been put to so great and imme-
diate danger. In few have a people been so deeply and
immediately interested, as the whole colony of Connecti-
cut was in this, in that uncommon crisis. In these re-
spects, even the great armaments and battles of Europe,
are, comparatively, of little importance. In this, under
the divine conduct, by seventy-seven brave men, Connec-
ticut was saved, and the most warlike and terrible Indian
nation in New-England, defeated and ruined.
The body of the Pequots, returning frdm the pursuit of
Captain Mason, repaired to Sassacus, at the royal fortress,
and related the doleful story of their misfortunes. They
charged them all to his haughtiness and misconduct, and
threatened him, and his, with immediate destruction. His
friends and chief counsellors interceded for him ; and, at
their entreaty, his men spared his life. Then, upon con-
sultation, they concluded that they could not, with safety,
remain any longer in the country. They were, indeed,
so panic struck, that, burning their wigwams, and destroy-
ing their fort, they fled and scattered into various parts of
the country. Sassacus, Mononotto, and seventy or eighty
of their chief counsellors and warriors, took their route
towards Hudson's river.
Just before Captain Mason went out upon the expedi-
tion againt the Pequots, the Dutch performed a very
neighbourly office for Connecticut. The two maids, who
had been captivated at Wethersfield, had, through the hu-
manity and mediation of Mononotto's squaw, been spared
from death, and kindly treated. The Dutch governor,
receiving intelligence of their circumstances, determined
to redeem them at any rate, and despatched a sloop to
Pequot harbour for that purpose. Upon its arrival, the
Dutch made large offers for their redemption, but the Pe-
quots would not accept them. Finally, as the Dutch had
a number of Pequots on board, whom they had taken, and
finding that they could do no better, they offered the Pe-
56 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
quots six of their own men for the two maids. These
they accepted, and the Dutch delivered the young women
at Saybrook, just before Captain Mason and his party ar-
rived. Of them he received particular information re-
specting the enemy.
An Indian runner, despatched by Mr. Williams, at
Providence, soon carried the news of the success of Con-
necticut against the Pequots, to the Governor of Massa-
chusetts. The governor and his council, judging that the
Pequots had received a capital blow, sent forward but a
hundred and twenty men. These were commanded by
Mr. Stoughton, and the Rev. Mr. Wilson, of Boston, was
sent as his chaplain.
This party arrived at Pequot harbour the latter part of
June. By the assistance of the Narraganset Indians, the
party under Captain Stoughton surrounded a large body
of Pequots in a swamp. They took eighty captives.
Thirty were men; the rest were women and children.
The men, except two sachems, were killed, but the wo-
men and children were saved. The sachems promised to
conduct the English to Sassacus, and for that purpose were
spared for the present.
The court of Connecticut ordered, that forty men should
be raised forthwith for the further prosecution of the wai
against the Pequots, to be commanded by Captain Mason.
The troops from Connecticut made a junction with the
party under the command of Captain Stoughton, at Pe-
quot. Mr. Ludlow, with other principal gentlemen from
Connecticut, went also with the army, to advise with re-
spect to the measures to be adopted in the further prose-
cution of the war. Upon general consultation, it was con-
cluded to pursue the Pequots, who had fled to the west-
ward. The army marched immediately, and soon disco-
vered the places where the enemy had rendezvoused, at
their several removes. As these were net far distant from
each other, it appeared that they moved slowly, having
their women and children with them. They also were
without provisions, and were obliged to dig for clams,
and to range the groves for such articles as they afforded.
The English found some scattering Pequots, as they
scoured the country, whom they captivated, and from
THE UNITED STATES. 57
whom they obtained intelligence relative to the Pequots
whom they were pursuing. But finding that the sachems,
whom they had spared, would give them no information,
they beheaded them, on their march, at a place called
Menunkatuck, since Guilford ; from which circumstance,
the spot on which the execution was done, bears the name
of Sachem's Head to the present time. In three days,
they arrived at New-Haven harbour. The vessels sailed
along the shore, while the troops marched by land.
At New-Haven, then called Quinnipiack, a great smoke,
at a small distance, was discovered in the woods. The
officers supposing that they had now discovered the ene-
my, ordered the army immediately to advance upon them ;
but were soon informed that they were not in that vicinity.
The Connecticut Indians had kindled the fires whence the
smoke arose. The troops soon embarked on board the
vessels. After staying several days at New-Haven, the
officers received intelligence from a Pequot, whom they
had previously sent to make discovery, that the enemy
were at a considerable distance, in a great swamp, to the
westward. Upon this information, the army marched
with all possible despatch to a great swamp in Fairfield,
where were eighty or a hundred Pequot warriors, and
nearly two hundred other Indians.
The swamp was such a thicket, so deep and boggy, that
it was difficult to enter it, or make any movement without
sinking in the mire. Lieutenant Davenport, and others,
rushing eagerly into it, were sorely wounded, and several
were soon so deep in the mud, that they could not get out
without assistance. The enemy pressed them so hard,
that they were just ready to seize them by the hair of their
head. A number of brave men were obliged to rescue
them sword in hand. Some of the Indians were slain,
and the men were drawn out of the mire. The swamp
was surrounded, and after a considerable skirmish, the
Indians desired a parley.
As the officers were not willing to make a promiscuous
destruction of men, women, and children, and as the sa-
chem and Indians of the vicinity had fled into the swamp,
though they had done the colonies no injury, a parley was
granted. Thomas Stanton, a man well acquainted with
58 UNIV-ERSAL HISTORY OF
the manners and language of the Indians, was sent to'
treat with them. He was authorized to offer life to all the
Indians who had shed no English blood. Upon this offer,
the sachem of the place came out to the English, and one
company of old men, women, and children, after another,
to the number of about two hundred.
The sachem of the place, declared for himself and his
Indians, that they had never shed the blood of the Eng-
lish, nor done them any harm. But the Pequot warriors
had too great a spirit to accept of the offer of life, declar-
ing, that they would fight it out. They shot their arrows
at Stanton, and pressed so hard upon him, that the soldiers
were obliged to fly to his rescue. The fight was then re-
newed, the soldiers firing upon them whenever an oppor-
tunity presented. But by reason of an unhappy division
among the officers, a great part of the enemy escaped.
Some were for forcing the swamp immediately, but this
was opposed, as too dangerous. Others were for cutting
it down, as they had taken many hatchets, with which
they were of the opinion it might be effected. Some others
were for making a pallisado and hedge around it, but nei-
ther of these measures could be adopted.
As night came on, the English cut through a narrow
part of it, by which the circumference was greatly les-
sened ; so that the soldiers, at twelve feet distance from
each other, were able completely to compass the enemy.
In this manner they enclosed and watched them until it
was nearly morning. A thick fog arose just before day,
and it became exceedingly dark. At this juncture, the
Indians took the opportunity to break through the Eng-
lish. They made their first attempt upon Captain Pa-
trick's quarters, yelling in their hideous manner, and
pressing on with violence, but they were several times
driven back. As the noise and tumult of war increased,
Captain Mason sent a party to assist Captain Patrick.
Captain Trask also marched to reinforce him.
As the battle greatly increased, the siege broke up.
Captain Mason marched to give assistance in the action.
Advancing to J;he turn of the swamp, he found that the
enemy were pressing out upon him ; but he gave them so
warm a reception, that they were soon glad to retire.
THE UNITED STATES. 59
While he was expecting that they would make another
attempt upon him, they faced about, and, falling violently
on Captain Patrick, broke through his quarters and fled.
These were their bravest warriors, sixty or seventy of
whom made their escape. About twenty were killed,
and one hundred and eighty were taken prisoners. The
English also took hatchets, wampum, kettles, trays, and
other Indian utensils.
The Pequot women and children, who had been capti-
vated, were divided among the troops. Some were car-
ried to Connecticut, and others to the Massachusetts.
The people of Massachusetts sent a number of the wo-
men and boys to the West-Indies, and sold them for
slaves. It was supposed that about seven hundred Pe-
quots were destroyed. The women who were captivated,
reported, that thirteen sachems had been slain, and that
thirteen yet survived. Among the latter were Sassacus
and Mononotto, the two chief sachems. These, with
about twenty of their best men, fled to the Mohawks.
They carried oflf wampum to the amount of 500 pounds.
The Mohawks surprised and slew them all, except Mono-
notto. They wounded him, but he made his escape. The
scalp of Sassacus was sent to Connecticut in the fall, and
Mr. Ludlow, and several other gentlemen, going into
Massachusetts, in September, carried a lock of it to Bos-
ton as a rare sight, and a sure demonstration of the death
of their mortal enemy.
Among the Pequot captives were the wife and children
of Mi nonotto. She was particularly noticed, by the
English, for her great modesty, humanity, and good sense.
She made it as her only request, that she might not be
injured, either as to her offspring or personal honour. As
a requital of her kindness to the captivated maids, her
life, and the lives of her children, were not only spared,
but they were particularly recommended to the care of
Governor Winthrop. He gave charge for their protec-
tion and kind treatment.
After the swamp fight, the Pequots became so weak
and scattered, that the Narragansets and Mohegans con-
stantly killed them, and brought in their heads to Wind-
sor and Hartford. Those who survived were so hunted
60 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
and harrassed, that a number of their chief men repaired
to the English, at Hartford, for relief. They offered, it
their lives might be spared, that they would become the
servants of the English, and be disposed of at their plea-
sure. This was granted, and the court interposed for
their protection.
Uncas and Miantonimoh, with the Pequots, by the
direction of the magistrates of Connecticut, met at Hart-
ford ; and it was demanded by them, how many of the
Pequots were yet living ? they answered, about two hun-
dred, besides women and children. The magistrates then
entered into a firm covenant with them, to the following
effect ; that there should be perpetual peace between Mi-
antonimoh and Uncas, and their respective Indians ; and
that all past injuries should be remitted, and for ever bu-
ried; that if any injuries should be done, in future, by one
party to the other, that they should not immediately re-
venge it, but appeal to the English to do them justice. It
was stipulated, that they should submit to their determi-
nation, and that if either party should be obstinate, that
then they might enforce submission to their decisions. It
was further agreed, that neither the Mohegans, nor Nar-
ragansets, should conceal nor entertain any of their ene-
mies, but deliver up or destroy all such Indians as had
murdered any English man or woman.
The English then gave the Pequot Indians to the Nar-
ragansets and Mohegans, eighty to Miantonimoh, twenty
to Ninnigret, and the other hundred to Uncas, to be- re-
ceived and treated as their men. It was also covenanted
that the Pequots should never more inhabit their native
country, nor be called Pequots, but Narrag-msets and Mo-
hegans. It was also further stipulated, that neither the
Narragansets nor Mohegans should possess any part of
the Pequot country without the consent of the English.
The Pequots were to pay a tribute at Connecticut, annu-
ally, of a fathom of wainpumpeag for every sannup s , of
half a fathom for every young man, and of a hand for
every male papoose. On these conditions the magis-
trates, in behalf of the colony, stipulated a firm peace
with all the Indians.
The conquest of the Pequots struck all the Indians in
THE UNITED STATES. 61
New-England with terror ; and they were possessed with
such fear of the displeasure and arms of the English, that
they had no open war with them for nearly forty years.
This happy event gave great joy to the colonies. A
day of public thanksgiving was appointed ; and, in all the
churches of New-England, devout and animated praises
were addressed to Him, who giveth his people the vic-
tory, and causeth them to dwell safely.
The war with the Pequots led to the discovery of Quin-
napiack, (now New-Haven.) Mr. Eaton, Mr. Hopkins,
Mr. Davenport, and several others, commenced a settle-
ment; and on the 18th of April, 1638, they kept the first
sabbath in that place. They assembled under a large
spreading oak, and Mr. Davenport preached to them from
Matthew vi. 1.
On the first of June, about three or four o'clock in the
afternoon, was a great earthquake throughout New-Eng-
land. The shock was so great, that a number of chim-
neys were thrown down ; the earth by turns was unquiet
for fifteen days.
In addition to the town of New-Haven, several other
towns were soon commenced, which were included in this
colony. In 1639, commenced the towns of Guilford and
Milford. Stamford was settled in 1641 ; soon after began
the town of Branford. Some settlements on Long Island
were included in the colony of New-Haven.
The colony of New-Hampshire, which now holds a
distinguished rank among the New-England states, though
its settlement began at a very early period, did not be-
come a separate colony till many years after that settle-
ment commenced. Captain Smith, of Virginia, who
sailed along the shore of New-England, in 1614, and pub-
lished a chart of the coast, with some account of the
country, discovered the River Piscataqua. He iound the
river to be large, the harbour capacious and safe, and gave
a favourable representation of the place as a site for a new
plantation.
Gorges and Mason, two members of the council of Ply-
mouth, in England, having obtained from the council a
grant of that tract of country, attempted the establish-
ment of a colony and fishery at the river Piscataqua. In
6
62 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
the spring of the year 1623, they sent over a few persons
for this purpose, who sat down on the south side of the
river, near its mouth , and there fixed a temporary resi-
dence. This was the beginning of the excellent and
flourishing town of Portsmouth. The same year, two
of the company erected a fish-house at the place of the
present town of Dover.
These settlements, for several years, were small, and
scarcely permanent. In 1629, some of the settlers about
the Massachusetts Bay, wishing to unite with the settle-
ment at Piscataqua, they assembled the chiefs of several
Indian tribes at Squamscot falls, now Exeter, and, for a
valuable consideration, made a purchase of an extensive
tract of land. In the instrument of conveyance, the na-
tives express a. " desire to have the English come and
settle among them, as among their countrymen in Massa-
chusetts." After this purchase, the plantation had a mo-
derate increase, but no new settlements were made till the
year 1638, which was the beginning of the towns of Exe-
ter and Hampton.
The people at Dover early erected a convenient meet-
ing-house, which was afterwards improved as a fortifica-
tion. A church was soon organized, of a character simi-
lar to the churches in the neighbouring colonies ; and Mr.
William Leverich, a worthy and able puritan divine, came
from England in 1633, and became their minister. The
settlement at Portsmouth, in their infant state, erected a
house for divine worship, and enjoyed, successively, the
labours of several faithful ministers. The ministry of
one of these, Mr. Jarnes Parker, was attended with much
success. But the town had no settled minister till a num-
ber of years after its settlement.
The people who made the settlement of Exeter, in
1638, were mostly from Boston. Having been regularly
dismissed from the church in that town, they immediately
united in a church relation, on the principles of their
mother church. As they judged their settlement to be
without the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, they formed
themselves into a body politic, chose rulers and assistants,
who were sworn to the proper execution of their respec-
tive offices, and a correspondent oath of obedience was
THE UNITED STATES 63
taken by the people. In this political compact, we have
an instance of civil government in its simplest, perhaps,
in its purest form. The magistrates, who were few, were
vested with legislative, judicial, and executive authority.
The settlements at Portsmouth and Dover, for several
years, were governed, principally, by agents sent over by
the proprietors in England. Having experienced many
inconveniences from this mode of government, they, sepa-
rately, forming a civil compact, after the example of their
neighbours at Exeter, enacted and enforced their own
laws. The combination at Dover was similar to the one
at Exeter ; at Portsmouth they had a chief magistrate,
annually elected, styled a governor.
These settlements, for many years, lived peaceably with
the natives, and, from their great advantages for fishery,
experienced less of the evils of famine than the neighbour-
ing colonies. Placed in distinct civil communities, they
soon found themselves exposed to a variety of difficulties,
and peculiarly defenceless in the event of trouble from an
enemy. Their corporations were necessarily weak, and
exposed to the, intrusion of vagrants and outlaws, who
would not submit to the steady government which was
maintained in the colonies of Massachusetts and Plymouth.
Had these political combinations been left to the manage-
ment of their original framers, and their posterity, they
might have exhibited an example of the finest republics
on historic record. But the constant influx of emigrants,
and of demagogues invited by their weakness, rendered
this expectation hopeless. These considerations induced
the settlement to desire a union with the colony of Mas-
sachusetts.
The subject having been for some time in agitation, in
the year 1641, the settlements on and near the Piscata-
qua, submitted to the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, on
condition of enjoying equal privileges with the people of
that colony, and having a court of justice maintained
among themselves. They were cordially accepted by
that government, and thus, by a solemn compact, became
a part of the colony of Massachusetts. From this time,
the settlements advanced in a more rapid progress, and in
greater security ; and their civil and ecclesiastical history
64 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
becomes one with the colony of which they now consti-
tuted a respectable portion. This union continued till
the year 1679, when, by the authority of the King of Great
Britain, New-Hampshire was separated from the govern-
ment of Massachusetts, and became a royal province.
One of the most prominent characters in the early his-
tory of New-England, was Roger Williams. He was a
man of considerable ability and learning, active and dili-
gent in his pursuits, humane and benevolent in his cha-
racter, ever fond of novelty and change. Previous to his
coming to America, Mr. Williams was a minister in the
church of England. He came to New-England in the
year 1631, and resided two years at Plymouth. He there
exercised his ministerial functions, occasionally, to good
acceptance.
During his residence at Plymouth, his conduct was in-
offensive, and his character naturally mild, so that he ever
after retained the esteem of the people of that colony. In
1633, he removed to Salem, and, on the death of their
excellent minister, Mr. Skelton, the church in that town
invited Mr. Williams to become their pastor. During his
connexion with the church at Salem, Mr. Williams incul-
cated many opinions which were disapproved by the go-
vernment and churches of the colony, which it was
thought \vould prejudice their interests in the view of the
mother country, and destroy that system of civil and
ecclesiastical polity on which the colony existed.
After much faithful and friendly dealing, Mr. Williams
being unwilling to renounce or conceal the sentiments
which he entertained, in 1635, he was directed by the go-
vernment to depart from the jurisdiction of Massachu-
setts. He removed with a few followers, and sat down
within the Plymouth jurisdiction, in the present town of
Rehoboth. The year following, at the desire of Gover-
nor Winslow, lest the government of Massachusetts should
take umbrage at his remaining within the Plymouth ju-
risdiction, he crossed the Pawtucket River, and, with
about twenty settlers, laid the foundation of the present
opulent and flourishing town of Providence.
These dissentions were conducted in such a manner,
that no personal alienation appears to have taken place
THE UNITED STATES. 65
between Mr. Williams and Governor Winthrop ; and a
constant interchange of good offices existed between the
Providence Plantation and the Massachusetts and Ply-
mouth Colonies. In the war with the Pequots in 1637,
there was a cordial co-operation of all the plantations
against the common enemy. Probably no individual of
the age made greater and more successful exertions to
maintain the peace of the colonies with the natives ; and,
living in the vicinity of several powerful tribes, he was
vigilant in discovering their designs, and gave the other
colonies timely notice of their hostile machinations.
Mr. Williams, for some years, established no particular
church order, inviting persons of all religious sentiments
to unite with his rising plantation. After a few years, he
and several of his people renounced the baptism of their
infancy, were re-baptized, and united in a church, which
was, I believe, the first Baptist church in New-England.
On account of differences of sentiment which subse-
quently prevailed in the church, in the year 1653, it was
divided, and became two churches. Mr. Williams pur-
chased the lands of his plantation of the Indian proprie-
tors, and no man enjoyed their confidence in a higher de-
gree. He was the father of the colony, and, for some
time, he appears to have possessed and exercised the prin-
cipal powers of government which existed. In some of
the first years of the Providence Plantation, the people
suffered very sensibly from scarcity. The product of
their forests and rivers saved them from perishing by fa-
mine. The most of the fathers of New-England expe-
rienced the evils of war and famine, in a degree of which
their posterity are unable to form any adequate conception.
At the time of the banishment of Mrs. Hutchinson from
Massachusetts, several people who had favoured her reli
gious opinions, and, of course, differed in principle from
the prevailing sentiments of the churches, chose to re-
move from the colony. One of these was Mr. William
Coddington, a gentleman of education and affluence, who
had been for several years an assistant, and one of the
most worthy magistrates of the Massachusetts govern-
ment. In the year 1638, Mr. Coddington, with a few
others, removed to Narraganset Bay, and commenced the
6*
66 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
settlement of Rhode Island. These planters immediately
united in a civil compact, to which Mr. Coddington and
seventeen others subscribed their names.
This infant plantation furnishes an instance of some-
thing of the simplicity and natural existence of a patriar-
chal government. Mr. Coddington, a man of great virtue
and natural dignity of charactei, possessing the confi-
dence of all, was created their magistrate, to whom was
delegated the necessary powers of civil government. By
the friendly assistance of Mr. Williams, he purchased the
island of the Indians ; and, in consequence of its plea-
santness and fertility, in a few years it became a flourish-
ing settlement. In the year 1644, a Baptist church was
formed in Newport, which was afterwards divided into
two. A congregational church was formed in Newport,
in 1720; and a second one in 1728. These two churches
afterwards enjoyed the ministry of the most eminent
American divines of the last century President Stiles
and Dr. Hopkins.
These settlements being destitute of any chartered
government from the mother country, in 1643 Mr. Wil-
liams went to England, and by the assistance of Mr. Vane,
who had been governor of Massachusetts, obtained a libe-
ral charter of incorporation of Providence and Rhode-
Island Plantations. The form of government provided
by this incorporation was essentially similar to that esta-
blished in the adjacent colonies. Mr. Williams lived to
a great age, and was chosen several times governor of the
colony.
As early as the year 1607, some of the Patentees of the
northern colony of Virginia began a settlement at the
mouth of the River Sagadahock, now Kennebeck. They
laid the plan of an extensive and opulent state. But in
consequence of the death of the principal patrons, and the
severities endured by the planters, the settlement broke
up the following year, and those who were living returned
to England. The first permanent settlements made with-
in the District of Maine, commenced about the year 1630.
The, oldest towns are Kittery and York.
In the year 1635, Sir Ferdinando Gorges obtained from
the council of Plymouth a 'grant of the tract of land Jying
THE UNITED STATES. 67
between the Rivers Sagadahock and Piscataqua. It is sup-
posed that he instituted civil government in the province.
Courts were held as early as 1636, who appear to have
exercised legislative and judicial powers. In 1639, Gorges
obtained from the crown a charter, conveying the amplest
powers of jurisdiction. He appointed a governor and
council, who administered justice to the people to their
general satisfaction, for a number of years.
After the death of the proprietor, these powers of go-
vernment were generally supposed to have expired. The
different settlements formed some kind of voluntary com-
pacts, and elected their own rulers. But the people, soon
perceiving the inconveniences of this state of things, in
the year 1652, united with the government of Massachu-
setts, and became an integral part of that colony.
In the first settlements, churches were early established,
who enjoyed the labours of some of the worthiest ministers
of their time. In general, their early civil and religious
institutions were very similar to those of Massachusetts.
No part of New-England has suffered so much from the
hostility of the natives, as the District of Maine. Many
ferocious tribes of savages were settled on the rivers with
which the country abounds, and from the small progress
made by the settlements for a long period, they were un-
able to subdue their power, or prevent their predatory in-
cursions. From the proximity of that district to Canada,
in all the wars between England and France for a century
after its first settlement, they were exposed to the hostile
incursions of the savages, stimulated by a most artful and
unfeeling enemy. Many of their towns have been pillaged
and burnt, and many of the people made captives and
slain. So late as the war of 1745, many of the towns suf-
fered severely from savage hostility.
The state of Vermont, the youngest of the New-Eng-
land States, has advanced in population and wealth more
rapidly than either of the others, and holds a respectable
rank in their number. The tract of country composing
that state, lying between the states of New-Hampshire
and New- York, to which both laid an imperfect claim, re-
mained long unoccupied.
In the year 1724, in the time of a severe Indian war,
68 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
the government of Massachusetts erected Fort Dummer-
\vithin the present town of Brattleborough, and commenced
a small settlement near the fort. This was then supposed
to be within the limits of Massachusetts ; but, on running
the province lines in 1741, it fell within the state of Ver-
mont. In the year 1731, the French from Canada erect-
ed the well-built fort at Crown Point, on the west side of
Lake Champlain, and, soon after, began a settlement on
the eastern side of the lake, opposite to the fort.
From the time in which the provincial line between
Massachusetts and New-Hampshire was ascertained, till
after the peace of 1763, when it became a subject of con-
troversy, the territory of Vermont was considered as be-
longing to New-Hampshire. The town of Bennington,
as it is one of the best, is considered the oldest town in the
state. This township was granted to certain proprietors,
in the year 1749, by the Governor* of New-Hampshire,
and called after his name. Soon after this grant, the set-
tlement of that town commenced.
In four or five of the following years, a few other towns
were granted by the government of New-Hampshire, on
the western side of Connecticut River. The war of 1755,
put a stop to these grants and settlements. In the pro-
gress of the war, the territory of Vermont became the
scene of military operations. These events produced a
general acquaintance with many parts of the country, and
towards the conclusion of the war, extensive grants oi
townships were made by the New-Hampshire government,
and numerous openings were made in the wilderness.
From 1764 to the commencement of the American war,
the new settlers were harassed with conflicting claims to
their territory, maintained by the provinces of New-
Hampshire and New-York. Notwithstanding these em-
barrassments, the infant settlements gradually increased
by emigrations from the several New-England provinces.
At the commencement of the war of 1775, the people of
Vermont warmly espoused the American cause, and, du-
ring its continuance, performed many important services.
As the authority of the royal governments became disa-
* Benning- Wintworth.
THE UNITED STATES. 69
vowed, the people finding themselves wholly destitute of
any bonds of civil government, public sentiment naturally
adverted to the necessity of some political regulations for
the general safety.
There having been several conventions of committees
of towns, to deliberate on measures to be pursued, in
January, 1777, a convention of delegates from the respec-
tive towns, held at Westminster, resolved that the terri-
tory now included in that state, should " be considered
as a free and independent jurisdiction of state : to be for
ever hereafter called, known, and distinguished, by the
name of New-Connecticut, alias Vermont." From this
period, Vermont became an independent state ; and, in
1791, was admitted a member of the American union.
The settlers of Vermont were mostly emigrants from
Connecticut, and, for several years after the peace of 1783,
their number increased with an unprecedented rapidity.
Their civil and religious institutions were generally copied
from those existing in Connecticut. A congregational
church was early established at Bennington, and continued
many years under the ministry of the pious and worthy
Mr. Dewey. In most of the towns, churches were esta-
blished at an early period of their settlement, who have
enjoyed the labours of many able and faithful ministers
of Christ.
The churches and ministers in Vermont have been re-
markable for uniformity in religious sentiment and prac-
tice, conformable to the Calvinistic system, and to the
doctrines of the gospel so ably vindicated by several New-
England divines of the last century. The late Dr. Job
Swift, who has been styled the Apostle of Vermont, not
more distinguished for abilities and piety, than for inde-
fatigable labours, was an eminent instrument of orga-
nizing and establishing the churches and religious institu
tions of the state, and was an unshaken pillar of divine
truth, in the midst of his labours in the service of his Mas-
ter and his fellow men, was suddenly removed to his eter-
nal rest. The churches and people of the state have
been favoured with many gracious manifestations of the
special influences of the Holy Spirit, in reviewing the in-
70 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
terests of vital religion, and bringing many souls into the
holy kingdom of the Redeemer.
Probably no instance can be found in the history of
men, where all public institutions of a civil, moral, and
religious character, are held so entirely under the constant
control of public sentiment, as in the -state of Vermont.
It is earnestly hoped, that through the merciful favour ol
Heaven, that people maybe long worthy <5f the possessioi
of the many privileges which they now enjoy.
Remarks upon the Religion of the Colony.
It is a very singular fact, that while the English govern-
ment, and all the ecclesiastical authority, were using their
most vigilant exertions to suppress evangelical religion,
and put an effectual stop to the progress of puritanism,
and while the New-England colonies were formed for the
express purpose of the promotion of these objects, they
were suffered to proceed with very little molestation.
The company that formed the settlement of Plymouth,
having long experienced the severities of ecclesiastical
tyranny, were fearful of forming a settlement in any of the
dominions of the British king, without a promise that they
should not be obstructed in the free exercise of their reli-
gion. Frequent and earnest solicitations were made to
the royal court for such a permission.
But as such a concession would not comport with the
maxims of a bigoted prince, and a persecuting prelate, it
was never obtained. The adventurers, therefore, com-
mitted their case to the protection of God, and they were
not disappointed. The succeeding companies, though
many important civil privileges were secured to them by
patent, could obtain no more than indirect intimations that
they might enjoy liberty of conscience in the services of
religion. They hoped, indeed, that the God whom they
served, would remember their wants, and that the distance
of three thousand miles would mitigate the rage of per-
secution.
The religious order which they established was directly
opposed to the sentiments of the government, and was
such as they had long laboured to suppress. But through
THE UNITED STATES. 71
the interference of various causes, in which the hand of
Qod was peculiarly visible, they were left undisturbed, till
their churches had become firmly established. Archbi-
shop Laud resolved, at length, to interfere, and subject the
colonies to the same ecclesiastical order as the mother
country. But his death soon put an end to his design.
The long period of the civil wars, and the common-
wealth which then succeeded, enabled the ecclesiastical in-
stitutions of the colonies to acquire such a consistence as
could not easily be dissolved. That remarkable interval
in the English monarchy, of which there has been no
equal in ten centuries, was the occasion of the establish-
ment of the gospel order in the New-England churches.
How unsearchable and holy are the appointments of God !
In 1656, Quakers made their first appearance in the
Massachusetts colony ; but the legislature passed laws
for their banishment: that any Quaker, returning from
banishment to renew his practices against the colony,
should be put to death. Under this law four persous were
executed.
Any master of any vessel that should bring any of this
sect into the jurisdiction of Massachusetts, should be sub-
ject to a fine of one hundred pounds. Notwithstanding
this arbitrary law, it appears that this sect continued to n
crease, even down to the present time, and holds a very
respectable station among other honourable societies.
The Roman Catholics first came to America in 1632.
The first Baptist church in America was formed at Pro-
vidence, in 1639.
Manners and Customs. The laws of the colonies, in
1639, prohibited the custom of drinking healths. In 1651 ,
the legislature passed laws, prohibiting all persons whose
estate did not exceed two hundred pounds, from wearing
any gold or silver lace, or any bone lace, that cost above
two shillings per yard. The selectmen were authorized
to take notice of the fashions, the apparel of the people,
especially in wearing of ribands and great boots.
In 1647, it was ordered, that no person under the age
of twenty years, should use any tobacco, unless he should
bring a certificate from a physician that it was useful to
him
72 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
Agriculture was first attended to by clearing the forests,
by cutting down the trees, and digging up the stumps,
before tillage. The first neat cattle were brought into
New-England by Mr. Winslow, in 1624. In 1633, the
cattle in Virginia had increased to about 1000 head,
They also raised a large quantity of wheat and rye, some
peas, beans, flax, and hemp.
Commerce. The colony imported all their merchan-
dise from England, and exported thither peltry, tobacco,
beef, pork, grain, and fish. The importations from Eng-
land much exceeded the exports thither. The skins ot
deer, elk, buffalo, and the furs of otters, hare, fox, musk-
rat and beaver, were purchased of Indians, for rum, blank-
ets, &c. and exported to England.
Arts and Manufactures. In 1620, 100 persons came
from England, to carry on the manufacture of silk, pot-
ash, tar, pitch, glass, and salt, but did not succeed. All
cordage, sail cloth, and mats, came from England. Brick
and framed houses were soon built in- large towns. The
first mill was a wind-mill, built near \Vaiertown. The
first vessel was built in Massachusetts, which was called
the Blessing of the Bay. In 1633, a ship of 60 tons was
built at Medford. In 1641, one was built at Salem, of 300
tons, and another of 160 tons, at Boston.
Printing was first introduced in 1639. The first thing
printed was a Freeman's Oath ; the next an Almanac ;
the third a collection of Psalms.
Education. Scarcely had the people opened the for-
est, and constructed habitations, before they directed their
attention towards the education of their children. Schools
were free to all classes of people ; the poor had the
same advantage in educating their children as the rich.
Population of Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode-
Island, New-Hampshire, Maine, and Vermont, was esti-
mated at about 75,000.
But it is impossible to ascertain very exactly the popu-
lation of the Amerxcan colonies at the close of this period.
The estimates made by writers, are vague, and often con-
tradictory. It is worthy of particular notice, that so
small a population, scattered over such an extent of coun-
try, shoukl have been able to conquer so many Indians,
and thereov save themselves from savage destruction.
UNIVERSAL HISTORY
OF THE
UNITED STATES.
PART SECOND.
CHAPTER IV.
Discovery and Progress of the Middle and Southern
States.
NEW-YORK.
The reader's first attention in this second part, will be
directed to the settlement of New- York.
Captain Henry Hudson, commissioned by the king, in
1 608, sailed in the employment of several London mer-
chants, to North America. He came upon the coast, in
about forty degrees of north latitude, and made a disco-
very of Long-Island and Hudson River. He proceeded
up the river, as far as the latitude of forty-three, and call-
ed it by his own name.
About two years after, he made a second voyage to the
river, in the service of a number of Dutch merchants ;
and some time after, sold his right to them. The right to
the country, tyowever, belonged to King James, by virtue
of the discovery which Hudson had made under his com
mission. The English protested against the sale. Bu
the Dutch, in 1614, built a fort, nearly on the same ground
where Albany now stands, which they called Fort Au-
ranea.
Sir Thomas Dale, governor of Virginia, directly after
despatched Captain Argall to dispossess the Dutch, and
they submitted to the king of England, and under the g* -
vernor of Virginia
7
74 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
But, receiving a reinforcement the next year, they again
asserted the right of Holland to the country, and erected
Fort Amsterdam on the south of the island. The Eng-
lish, for many years, did not interfere.
In 1621, an extensive territory on both sides of the Hud-
son, was granted to the Dutch West India Company, and
called New-Netherlands. The boundaries were consider-
ed by the company as including Connecticut River on the
north, and Delaware River on the south. In 1623, they
erected a fort on the Delaware, which they called Nassau ;
and, in 1633, they erected another on Connecticut, which
they called Good Hope. Near the former the Swedes
had a settlement ; and a quarrel arose between the set-
tlers, which continued for many years, which terminated
in the subjugation of the Swedes.
NEW-JERSEY.
The first settlement of New- Jersey was made by the
Danes, about the year 1624. Soon afterwards, several
Dutch families seated themselves in the vicinity of New-
York. In 1626, a company was formed in Sweden, under
the patronage of King Gustavus Adolphus, for the pur-
pose of planting a colony in America.
The next year a number of Swedes and Finns came
over, and made a settlement on the west bank of the Dela-
ware River.
In 1640, the English began a plantation on the eastern
bank. The Swedes, in concert with the Dutch, who pos-
sessed New- York, drove them out of the country.
DELAWARE.
This state was settled by a company of Swedes and
Finns, under the patronage of King Gustavus Adolphus.
In 1627, they landed at Cape Henlopen, and were so
charmed with its appearance, that they gave it the name
of Paradise I'omt. The country tney called New-Sweden,
and the River Delaware, New-Swedeland Stream. They
purchased of the Indians, the lands on both sides of that
riv*ar, from the sea to the falls, and seated themselves at
THE UNITED STATES. 76
the mouth of Christian Creek, near Wilmington. Being
frequently molested by the Dutch, who claimed a right- to
the country, they, for their protection, built forts at Chris-
tian, Lewiston, and Tinicum. The last was their seat
of government, and John Printz, their governor, erected an
elegant mansion at this place, which he named Printz Hall
MARYLAND.
This state was settled by one Calvert, who sailed for
America near the close of 1633, accompanied by about
two hundred emigrants, chiefly Roman Catholics.
They arrived in February, 1634, at the mouth of the
River Potomac. At a conference with the Indians, who
dwelt on the shore, they purchased Yoamaco, a consider-
able village, the site which St. Mary's now occupies.
This colony, as well as all others, in the early period of
their existence, was afflicted with troubles ; they were
principally caused by one William Clayborne. While a
member of the Virginia council, he had obtained a license
from the king to traffic in those parts of America where
no other person enjoyed the exclusive right of trade. Un-
der this license he had made a small settlement on the
island of Kent, and when the grant was made to Lord
Baltimore, refused to submit to his authority. He per-
suaded the natives that the new comers were Spaniards,
and enemies to the Virginians.
An Indian war was the consequence, which continued
for several years with great distress. Clayborne was in-
dicted, and convicted of murder, piracy, and sedition, and,
fleeing from justice, his estate was confiscated. He ap-
plied to the king for redress, but did not succeed. When
the civil war between the king and parliament began, he
embraced the cause of the latter, returned to Maryland,
a ad, by his intrigues, fomented, in 1645, a rebellion against
its rulers, who were attached to the royal cause. Calvert,
the governor, was compelled to fly to Virginia, and the
insurgents seized the reins of government. The next
year, however, the revolt was suppressed, and tranquillity
restored.
76 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
NORTH CAROLINA.
In 1630, Charles I. granted to Sir Robert Heath all the
territory between the 30th and 36th degrees of north lati-
tude, and extending from the Atlantic Ocean to the South
Sea, by the name of Carolina. Under this grant, no set-
tlement was made. In 1640, some person fled from Vir-
ginia, and without license from any source, occupied that
portion of North Carolina north of Albemarle Sound. In
1661, another settlement was made near the mouth of
Clarendon River, by adventurers from Massachusetts.
The land being sterile, and the Indians hostile, they soon
abandoned it.
In June, a patent was granted by the king, conveying
to twenty-one trustees, the territory now constituting the
state of Georgia, which was to be apportioned gratuitously
among the people, and donations were made for the pur-
pose of conveying them thither, and for their support the
first season.
In November, one hundred and thirty emigrants em-
barked for Georgia : in January, they arrived at Charles-
ton. The Carolinians gave the adventurers a cordial wel-
come ; they supplied them with provisions and boats to
carry them to the place of their destination ; and on the
9th of February, they erected the first house, where Sa-
vannah now stands.
History of the whole Colonies of America co7nbined, from
1661.
Before the session of the General Assembly of Con-
necticut, in October, 1662, the charter was brought over.
Upon the day of the election, it was publicly read to the
freemen, and declared to belong to them and to their suc-
cessors. They thqn proceeded to make choice of Mr.
Wyllys, Mr. Talcott, and Mr. Allen, to receive the char-
ter into custody, and keep it in behalf of the colony.
In 1663, a tax of three hundred pounds was levied upon
the colony. A day of fasting and prayer was appointed.
The colony was much in debt ; many were dissatisfied
THE UNITED STATES. 77
with the governor, and refused to pay any thing for his
support.
No sooner did the officers begin to distrain the rates of
those who refused to pay, than it produced the most alarm-
ing consequences. The gentlemen from Connecticut re-
monstrated against collecting taxes from those who had
been taken under the protection of that colony, and desired
New-Haven to suspend the affair for further consideration.
Colonel Nichols arrived at Boston, with a fleet and
troops under his command, July 23, 1664. He immedi-
ately communicated his commission to the colonies, and
requested the troops to assist him against the Dutch. He
then sailed for New-Netherlands, and on the 20th of Au-
gust made a demand upon the town and forts upon the
Island of Manhadoes. Governor Winthrop, with several
gentlemen from Connecticut, joined him, according to his
wishes. Stuyvesant, the Dutch governor, was an old
soldier, and had he been prepared, doubtless would have
made a brave defence. He was extremely opposed to a
surrender of the fort and town, but the opposition party
outnumbered him, and he was obliged to submit on the
27th of August.
After the reduction of the Dutch, Colonel Nichols fixed
his residence at New-York, to manage the affairs of go-
vernment. About 1664, a settlement commenced on the
east side of Connecticut River. In 1667, Lyme was made
a distinct town. In this and the next year, several new
settlements were made, and new towns incorporated. On
the 20th of May, 1662, a purchase was made of the Indians,
and East Haddam settled by twenty-eight persons. In
the session of May, 1670, it was enacted that Massacoe
should be called Simsbury.
At the same term, New-Haven village was incorporated,
and made a town, by the name of Wallingford. In 1643,
war had been declared in England against the Dutch.
The colony was put into a state of defence, and it was or-
dered that a troop of horse should be raised in each county.
On the 30th of July, a small Dutch fleet arrived at New-
York. One John Manning, who commanded the fort and
island, treacherously delivered them to the enemy, with-
out firing a gun or attempting the least resistance.
7*
78 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
Scarcely had the colonies recovered from their calami-
ties, before new and more terrible alarm and destruction
presented themselves to all the colonies of New-England.
On the first of July, 1674, the Duke of York commissioned
Sir Edmund Andross to be governor of New-York, and
all New-England. Sir Edmund was a tyrant over the
people, but New-England refused to submit to this man
as their ruler. It was soon discovered that Sir Edmund
Andross was about to make a hostile invasion on the co-
lony, and to demand its surrender. Detachments from
the military were sent to New-London and Saybrook.
Captain Thomas Bull, of Hartford, commanded the party
at Saybrook.
About the 9th of July, 1675, the people of that town
were surprised by the appearance of Major Andross, with
an armed force in the sound, making directly for the fort.
The fort was soon manned, and militia called out for its
defence ; at this moment Captain Bull arrived, which gave
them fresh courage. On the llth, Major Andross hoisted
the king's flag on board, and demanded a surrender of
the fortress and town ; Captain Bull raised his majesty's
colours, and prepared for defence. The major did not
like to fire on the king's colours, and thought it would be
a bloody affair to reduce the town by force. Early in
the morning of the 12th, Sir Edmund desired to be ad-
mitted on shore.
Captain Bull met the major at his landing, and re-
quested a treaty. The major rejected the proposal, and
commanded, in his majesty's name, that the Duke's pa-
tent and his commission should be read. Captain Bull,
in his majesty's name, commanded him to forbear read-
ing. When his clerk attempted to proceed, Captain Bull
again repeated his command with such energy, that it
convinced the major it was not safe to proceed. The
captain then acquainted him that he had an address from
the assembly, and read his protest.
Governor Andross, pleased with his bold and soldier-
like appearance, said " What is your name ?" He re-
plied, " My name is Bull, sir." " Bull," said the gover-
nor," It is a pity your horns are not tipped with silver."
THE UNITED STATES. 79
Finding he could make no impression upon the people, he
soon sailed for New-York.
In the year 1675, began the famous Indian war, which
was termed King Philip's war.
The leading one was Philip, sachem of the tribe living
within the boundary of Plymouth, Rhode Island. His
brother, being suspected of plotting against the whites,
was seized by a detachment of soldiers. Philip ever
sought to revenge the treatment of his brother. He suc-
ceeded in forming a confederacy able to send into action
between three and four thousand warriors.
The immediate cause of the war was the execution of
three Indians by the English, whom Philip had excited to
murder one Susaman, an Indian missionary. Susaman,
being friendly to the English, had informed them that
Philip, with several tribes, were plotting their destruction.
The execution of these Indians roused the anger of
Philip, who immediately armed his men, and commenced
hostilities. Their first attack was made June 24th, upon
the people of Swanzey, in Plymouth colony, as they \\ ere
returning home from public w r orship, on a day of humi-
liation and prayer, under the apprehension of the ap-
proaching war. Eight or nine persons were killed.
The country was immediately alarmed, and the troops
of the colony flew to the defence of Swanzey. On the
28th, the company of horse and company of foot, with
one hundred and ten volunteers from Boston, joined the
Plymouth forces at Swanzey. The next morning, an at-
tack was made upon some of Philip's men, who were pur-
sued, and five or six of them killed. This resolute con-
duct of the English made a deep impression on the ene-
my. Philip with his forces left Mount Hope the same
night ; marking his route, however, w.ith the burning o
houses, and the scalping of the defenceless inhabitants.
It being known that the Narragansets favoured the
cause of Philip, he having sent his women and children
to them for protection, the Massachusetts forces, under
Captain Hutchinson, proceeded forthwith into their coun-
try, to renew a treaty with them, or to give them battle.
Fortunately, a treaty was concluded, and the troops re-
turned.
80 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
On the 17th of July, news arrived that Philip, with his
warriors, was in a swamp at Pocasset, now Tiverton.
The Massachusetts and Plymouth forces immediately
marched to that place, and the next day resolutely charged
the enemy in their recesses. As the troops entered the
swamps, the Indians continued to retire. The English, in
vain pursued, till the approach of night, when the com-
mander ordered a retreat. Many of the English were
killed, and the enemy seemed to take courage.
It being impossible to encounter the Indians with ad-
vantage in the swamps, it was determined to starve them
out ; but Philip, apprehending their design, contrived to
escape with his forces.
He now fled to the Nipmucks, a tribe in Worcester
county? Massachusetts, whom he induced to assist him.
This tribe had already commenced hostilities against the
English ; but, in the hope of reclaiming them, the gover-
nor and council sent Captains Wheeler and Hutchinson
to treat with them. But the Indians, having intimation of
their coming, lurked in ambush for them, fired upon them
as they approached, killed eight men, and mortally wound-
ed eight more, of whom Captain Hutchinson was one.
The remainder of the English fled to Quaboag, Brook-
field. The Indians, however, closely pursued them into
the town, and burnt every house excepting one, in which
the inhabitants had taken refuge. This house at length
they surrounded. " For two days they continued to pour
a storm of musket balls upon it, and although countless
numbers pierced through the walls, but one person was
killed. With long poles, they next thrust against it brands,
aad rags dipped in brimstone ; they shot arrows of tire ;
they loaded a cart with flax and tow, and with long poles
fastened together, they pushed it against the house. De-
struction seemed inevitable. The house was kindling, and
the savages stood ready to destroy the first that should
open the door to escape. At this awful moment a torrent
of rain descended, and suddenly extinguished the kind-
ling flames."
August 4th, Major Willard came to their relief, raised
the siege, and destroyed a considerable number of the as-
sailants.
THE UNITED STATES. 81
During the month of September, Hadley, Deerfield, and
Northfield, on Connecticut river, were attacked ; several of
the inhabitants were killed, and many buildings consumed.
On the 18th, Captain Lathrop, with several teams, and
eighty young men, the flower of the county of Essex, were
sent to Deerfield to transport a quantity of grain to Had-
ley. On their return, stopping to gather grapes at Muddy
Brook, they were suddenly attacked by near eight hundred
Indians. Resistance was in vain, and seventy of these
young men fell before the merciless enemy, and were bu-
ried in one grave. Captain Mosely, who was at Deerfield,
hearing the report of the guns, hastened to the spot, and,
with a few men, attacked the Indians, killed ninety-six,
and wounded forty, losing himself but two men.
Early in October, the Springfield Indians,- who had
hitherto been friendly to the English, concerted a plan,
with the hostile tribes, to burn that town. Having, under
cover of night, received two or three hundred of Philip's
men into their fort, with the assistance of these, they set
fire to the town. The plot, however, was discovered so
seasonably, that troops arrived from Westfield in time to
save the town, excepting thirty-two houses already con-
sumed.
Soon after hostilities were commenced by Philip, the
Tarrenteens began their depredations in New-Hampshire,
and the province of Maine. They robbed the boats, and
plundered the houses of the English. In September they
fell on Saco, Scarborough, and Kittery, killed between
twenty and thirty of the inhabitants, and consigned their
houses, barns, and mills, to the flames.
Elated with these successes, they next advanced towards
Piscataqua, committing the same outrages at Oyster River,
Salmon Falls, Dover, and Exeter. Before winter, sixty
of the English, in that quarter, were killed, and nearly as
many buildings consumed.
The Indians in those parts, however, had real ground of
complaint. Some seamen, hearing it reported that In-
dian children could swim by instinct, overset the canoe of
Squando, sachem of the Saco Indians, in which were his
squaw and infant child. This act Squando could not over-
look, especially as, some time after, the child died, and, as
82 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
the sachem believed, on account of some injury that it then
received. Besides this, several Indians had been enticed
on board a vessel, carried off, and sold into slavery. To
redress these wrongs, the Indians commenced hostilities.
Notwithstanding the Narragansetts had pledged them-
selves, by their treaty, not to engage in the war against the
English, it was discovered that they were taking part with
the enemy. It was deemed necessary, therefore, for the
safety of the colonies, early to check that powerful tribe.
Accordingly, Governor Winslow, of Plymouth, with
about one thousand eight hundred troops from Massachu-
setts and Connecticut, and one hundred and sixty friendly
Indians, commenced their march from Pettyquamscot,
on the 19th of December, 1675, through a deep snow,
towards the enemy, who were in a swamp about fifteen
miles distant.
The army arrived at the swamp at one in the afternoon.
Some Indians, at the edge of the swamp, were fired upon,
but fled. The whole army now entered, and pursued the
Indians to their fortress.
This stood on a rising ground' in the middle of the
swamp. It was a work of great strength and labour, being
composed of palisades, and surrounded by a hedge about
sixteen feet in thickness.
One entrance only led to the fort, through the surrounding
thicket. Upon this the English providentially fell ; and,
without waiting to form, rushed impetuously towards the
fort. The English captains entered first. The resistance
of the Indians was gallant and warlike. Captains John-
son and Davenport, with many of their men, fell at the
entrance. At length the English gave back, and were
obliged to retreat out of the fort.
At this crisis, the army being on the point of a fatal re-
pulse, some Connecticut men, on the opposite side of the
fort, discovered a place destitute of palisades ; they in-
stantly sprang into the fort, fell upon the rear of the In-
dians, and, aided by the rest of the army, after a desperate
conflict, achieved a complete victory. Six hundred wig-
wams was now set on fire The scene was awful. Deep
volumes of smoke rolled up to heaven, mingling with the
THE UNITED STATES. 83
dying shrieks of mothers and infants, while the aged and
infirm were consuming in the flames.
Even at this distant period, we cannot recal this scene
without pain, and can justify this severity of our ances-
tors, only by admitting its necessity for self-preservation.
The Indians in the fort were estimated at four thousand ;
of these seven hundred warriors were killed, and three
hundred died of their wounds ; three hundred wre taken
prisoners, and as many women and children. The rest,
except such as were consumed, fled.
The victory of the English, complete as it was, was pur-
chased with blood. Six brave captains fell ; eighty of
the troops were killed, or mortally wounded, and one
hundred and fifty were wounded, who recovered.
From this defeat the Indians never recovered. They
were not yet, however, effectually subdued. During the
winter they still continued to murder and burn. The
towns of Lancaster, Medfield, Weymouth, Groton, Spring-
field, Northampton, Sudbury, and Marlborough, in Massa-
chusetts, and Warwick and Providence, in Rhode-Island,
were assaulted, and some of them partly, and others
wholly destroyed. In March, Captain Pierce, with fifty
English, and twenty friendly Indians, were attacked, and
every Englishman, and most of the Indians, were slain.
In April, Captain Wadsworth, marching with fifty men to
the relief of Sudbury, was surrounded, and all either killed
on the spot, or reserved for long and distressing tortures.
The success of the Indians, during the winter, had been
great ; but, on the return of spring, the tide turned against
them. The Narraganset country was scoured, and many
of the natives were killed, among whom was Canonchet,
their chief sachem.
On the 12th of August, 1676, the finishing stroke was
given to the war in the United Colonies, by the death of
Philip. After his flight from Mount Hope, he had at-
tempted to rouse the Mohaw r ks against the English. To
effect his purpose, he killed, at several times, some of that
tribe, and laid it to the English. But hjs iniquity was dis-
covered, and he was obliged hastily to flee. He returned
at length to Mount Hope.
Tidings of his return were brought to Captain Church,
84 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
a man who had been of eminent service in this war, and
who was better able than any other person to provide
against the wiles of the enemy. Captain Church immedi-
ately proceeded to the place of Philip's concealment, near
Mount Hope, accompanied by a small body of men. On
his arrival, which was in the night, he placed his men in
ambush round the swamp, charging them not to move till
daylight, that they might distinguish Philip, should he at-
tempt to escape. Such was his confidence of success, that,
taking Major Sandford by the hand, he said, " It is scarcely
possible that Philip should escape." At that instant a
bullet whistled over their heads, and a volley followed.
The firing proceeded from Philip, and his men, who
were in view. Perceiving his peril, the savage chief, des-
perately snatched his powder horn and gun, and ran fierce-
ly towards the spot where an Englishman and Indian lay
concealed. The English soldier levelled his gun, but it
missed fire ; the Indian fired, and shot Philip through the
heart.
Captain Church ordered him to be beheaded, and quar-
tered. The Indian who executed this order, pronounced
the warrior's epitaph, " You have been one very great
man. You have made many a man afraid of you. But
so big as you be, I will now chop you to pieces."
Thus fell a savage hero and patriot of whose trans-
cendant abilities our history furnishes melancholy evi-
dence. The advantage of civilized education, and a wider
theatre of action, might have made the name of Philip of
Mount Hope, as memorable as that of Alexander or Caesar.
After the death of Philip, the war continued in the pro-
vince of Maine, till the spring of 1678. But westward,
the Indians having lost their chiefs, wigwams, and provi-
sions, and perceiving further contest vain, came in singly
by tens, and hundreds, and submitted to the English.
Thus closed a melancholy period in the annals of New
England history ; during which, six hundred men, the
flower of her strength, had fallen; twelve or thirteen towns
had been destroyed, and six hundred dwelling houses con-
sumed. Every eleventh family was houseless, and every
eleventh soldier had sunk in his grave. So costly was
the inheritance which our fathers have transmitted to us.
THE UNITED STATES. 85
Never was peace more welcome ; for never had war
been more distressing. The whole population was mourn-
ing for their relatives slain. The colonies had contracted
a large debt, which their resources, having been so much
diminished, they found an almost insupportable burden ,
yet they forebore to apply to their mother country for as-
sistance, which excited jealousy. " You act," said" a privy
counsellor, " as though you were independent ; although
poor, you are proud."
In 1680, it appears that there were twenty-six towns in
New-England ; that the militia, including horse and foot
consisted of two thousand five hundred and seven men ;
that the annual exports were about nine thousand pounds.
There were in the colony about twenty small merchants,
trading to Boston, New- York, Newfoundland, and the
West-Indits ; and the shipping consisted of four ships,
three pinks, eight sloops, and other small vessels, amount-
ing to about twenty-seven in number, the tonnage of which
was only one thousand and fifty. The number of inhabi-
tants was nearly twelve thousand.
In 1(582, East- Jersey passed from Carteret to William
Penn, and twenty-three associates, mostly of the Quaker
persuasion.
In April, Penn published a frame of government. The
chief object was declared to be, to support power and re-
verence among the people. This year, William Penn
laid out Philadelphia for his capital, which grew rapidly.
In 1683, Penn held the second assembly in his new capi-
tal, and presided in the council." The lasting prosperity
of Pennsylvania, the foundation of which must be traced
to his wisdom and benevolence, is an eloquent eulogium
upon his character.
In 1684, King James established a temporary govern-
ment over the colony, first appointing Joseph Dudley
and in 1686, he appointed Sir Edmund Andross to be go-
vernor of New-England. Sir Edmund had been govern-
or of New-York, and it was known that his conduct there
had been arbitrary and tyrannical. In October, Sir Ed
mund, with a guard of about sixty regular troops, went to
Hartford.
The assembly met, as usual, in October, and the go-
8
86 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
vernmerit continued according to charter, until the last of
the month. About this time, Sir Edmund, with his suit,
and more than sixty regular troops, came to Hartford,
when the assembly were sitting, demanded the charter,
and declared the government under it to be dissolved.
The assembly were extremely reluctant and slow with re-
spect to any resolve to surrender the charter, or with re-
spect to any motion to bring it forth. The tradition is,
that Governor Treat strongly represented the great ex-
pense and hardships of the colonists, in planting the
country the blood and treasure which thoy had expend-
ed in defending it, both against the savages and foreign-
ers ; to what hardships and dangers he himself had been
exposed for that purpose ; and that it was like giving up
his life, now to surrender the patent and privileges, so
dearly bought, and so long enjoyed.
The important affair was debated and kept in suspense,
until the evening, when the charter was brought and laid
upon the table, where the assembly was sitting. By this
time, great numbers of people were assembled, and
men sufficiently bold to enterprise whatever might be ne-
cessary or expedient. The lights were instantly extin-
guished, and one Captain Wads worth, of Hartford, in the
most silent and secret manner, carried off the charter, and
secreted it in a large hollow tree, fronting the house of
the Hon. Samuel Wyllys, then one of the magistrates of
the colony. The people appeared all peaceably and or-
derly. The candles were officiously re-lighted ; but the
patent was gone, and no discovery could be made of it,
or of the person who had conveyed it away. Sir Ed-
mund assumed the government, and the records of the
colony were closed in the following words :
"At a general court at Hartford, October 31st, 1687,
his excellency, Sir Edmund Andross. knight, and captain-
general and governor of his majesty's territories and do-
minions in New-England, by order from his majesty,
James the Second, Iving of England, Scotland, France,
and Ireland, the 31st of October, 1687, took into hia
hands the government of the colony of Connecticut, il
being, by his majesty, annexed to Massachusetts, and
other colonies under his excellency's government."
THE UNITED STATES. 87
Sir Edmund appointed officers, civil and military,
through the colony, according to his pleasure. He had a
council, at first, consisting of about forty persons, and af-
terwards, of nearly fifty. Four of this number, governor
Treat, John Fitz Winthrop, Wait Winthrop, and John
Allen, Esquires, were of Connecticut.
Sir Edmund began his government with the most flat-
tering professions of his regard to the public safety, and
happiness. He instructed the judges to administer justice
as far as might be consistent with the new regulations, ac-
cording to the former laws and customs. It is, however,
well observed by Governor Hutchinson, that " Nero con-
cealed his tyrannical disposition more years, than Sir Ed-
mund and his creatures did months." He soon laid a re-
straint upon the liberty of the press, and then one far more
grievous upon marriage.
This was prohibited, unless bonds were previously gi-
ven, with sureties, to the governor. These were to be
forfeited, in case it should afterwards appear, that there
was any lawful impediment to the marriage. Magis-
trate only were allowed to join people in the bands of
wedlock. The governor not only deprived the clergy of
the perquisite from marriages, but soon suspended the
laws for their support, and would not suffer any person
to be obliged to pay any thing to his minister. Nay, he
menaced the people, that, if they resisted his will, their
meeting-houses should be taken from them, and that any
person who should give two pence to a non-conformist
minister, should be punished.
The fees of all officers, under this new administration,
were exorbitant. The common fee for the probate of a
will was fifty shillings. The widow and fatherless, how
distant soever, were obliged to appear at Boston, to trans-
act all business relative to the settlement of estates. This
was a grievous oppression of the poor people, especially
of the fatherless and widow.
Sir Edmund, without an assembly, nay, without a ma-
jority of his council, taxed the people at pleasure. He
and Randolph, with four or five others of his creatures,
who were sufficiently wicked to join with him, in all his
oppressive designs, managed the affairs of government
88 % UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
as they pleased. But these were but the beginnings of
oppression and sorrow. They were soon greatly in-
creased, and more extensively spread.
In 1688, Sir Edmund was made governor of New-York,
as well as of New-England, and the same kind of govern-
ment was exercised in that department. As the charters
were now either vacated, surrendered, or the government
under them suspended, it was declared that the titles ot
the colonists to their lands were of no value. Sir Edmund
declared, that Indian deeds were no better than " the
scratch of a bear's paw." Not the fairest purchases, and
most ample conveyances from the natives, no dangers,
disbursements, nor labours, in cultivating a wilderness, and
turning it into orchards, gardens, and pleasant fields, no
grants by charter, nor by legislatures constituted by them,
no declarations of preceding kings, nor of his then present
majesty, promising them the quiet enjoyment of their
houses and lands, nor fifty or sixty years undisturbed pos-
session, were pleas of any validity or consideration with
Sir Edmund and his minions.
The purchasers and cultivators, after fifty and sixty
years improvement, were obliged to take out patents for
their estates. For these, in some instances, a fee of fifty
pounds was demanded. Writs of intrusion were issued
against persons of principal character, who would not
submit to such impositions, and their lands were patented
to others. Governor Hutchinson observes, with respect
to Massachusetts, that " men's titles were not all ques-
tioned at once. Had this been the case, according to the
computation then made, all the personal estate in the co-
lony would not have paid the charge of the new patents."
The governor, and a small number of his council, in the
most arbitrary manner, fined and imprisoned numbers of
the inhabitants of Massachusetts, and denied them the
benefit of the act of habeas corpus. All town meetings
were prohibited, except one in the month of May, for the
election of town officers, to prevent the people from con-
sulting measures for the redress of their grievances. No
person, indeed, was suffered to go out of the country, with-
out leave from the governor, lest complaints should be
carried to England against his administration. At the
THE UNITED STATES. * 89
same time, he so well knew the temper and views of his
royal master, that he feared little from him, even though
complaints should be carried over against him. Hence
he and his dependants oppressed the people, and enriched
themselves without restraint.
The most humble petitions were presented to his ma-
jesty, from corporations of various descriptions, beseech-
ing him that the governor's council might consist of none
but men of considerable property in lands ; that no act
might be passed to bind the people, but by a majority of
the council ; and that he would quiet his good subjects in
the enjoyment of all property in houses and lands.* But
in the reign of James the Second, petitions so reasonable
and just could not be heard.
The prince at home, and his officers abroad, like greedy
harpies, preyed upon the people without control. Ran-
dolph was not ashamed to make his boast, in his letters,
with respect to Governor Andross and his council, " that
they were as arbitrary as the great Turk." All New-
England groaned under their oppression. The heaviest
share of it, however, fell upon the inhabitants of Massa-
chusetts and New-Plymouth. Connecticut had been less
obnoxious to government than Massachusetts, and as it
was further removed from the seat of government, was
less under the notice and influence of those oppressors.
Governor Treat was a father to the people, and felt for
them, in their distressed circumstances. The other gen-
tlemen, who were of the council, and had the principal
management of affairs, in Connecticut, were men of prin-
ciple, lovers of justice, and of their fellow subjects. They
took advantage of Sir Edmund's first instructions, and, as
far as they possibly could, consistently with the new re-
gulations, governed the colony according to the former
laws and customs. The people were patient and peace-
able, though in great fear and despondency. They were
no strangers to what was transacted in the neighbouring
* Sir Edmund, with all his vigilance, could not prevent the carrying-
over of complaints against him. Mr. Increase Mather got on board a
ship, and sailed to England, for this very purpose, and delivered the
complaints, which he carried over, into his majesty's hands.
8*
90 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
colonies, and expected soon fully to share with them, in
all their miseries.
It was generally believed that Andross was a papist ;
that he had employed the Indians to ravage the frontiers,
and had supplied them with ammunition ; and that he was
making preparations to deliver the country into the hands
of the French. All the motives to great actions, to in-
dustry, economy, enterprise, wealth, and population, were
in a manner annihilated. A general inactivity and lan-
guishment pervaded the whole public body. Liberty,
property, and every thing which ought to be dear to men,
every day grew more and more insecure. The colonies
were in a state of general despondency, with respect to
the restoration of their privileges, and the truth of that
divine maxim, " when the wicked beareth rule, the peo-
ple mourn," was, in a striking manner, every where ex-
emplified.
In 1690, war was declared between France and Eng-
land. Count Frontinac was appointed governor in Cana-
da. In January, he despatched several parties against
the English settlements. One of them was sent against
Albany, but resolved to attack Schenectady. The inha-
bitants of this village got information of their danger, but
they judged it impossible for the enemy to march several
hundred miles in the depth of winter, and disregarded the
intelligence. No regular watch was kept, nor military
order observed.
The French and Indians arrived near the town on the
8th of February. On Saturday night, at eleven o'clock,
they entered the gates, which they found open : universal
silence reigned. In a few moments, all the houses were
in flames. Women were butchered, and children thrown
alive into the flames ; sixty persons perished in the flames;
twenty -five persons made prisoners ; while the rest of the
inhabitants fled naked. A furious storm came on. Alba-
ny, their only refuge, was at a distance. A part arrived
in safety ; twenty -five lost their limbs by the severity of
the cold. No tongue can express the cruelties which
were committed. The second party directed their course
to New-Hampshire, burned the village at Salmon Falls,
killed twenty-six of the bravest men, and took fifty pri-
THE UNITED STATES. 91
soners. The third party destroyed Casco, in Maine, and
killed and captured ninety-five people.
To avenge these barbarities, and others perpetrated in
New-England, a combined expedition against Canada was
proposed. An army was raised in New-York and Con-
necticut, which proceeded as far as the head of Lake
Cham plain, but not finding boats to cross the lake, were
obliged to return. Sir William Phipps, with a fleet of
about 30 vessels, sailed from Boston into the St. I aw-
rence, and landing a body of troops, made an attack by
land and water upon Quebec ; but was unsuccessful.
This year, 1691, Colonel Henry Sloughter succeeded
Colonel Leisler, governor of New-York. Leisler, when
informed of this appointment, ought to have relinquished
the authority he had exercised. Although twice requi-
red, he refused to surrender the fort. Sloughter caused
Leisler and Milborne to be arrested and executed for
high treason.
In July, 1691, Peter Schuyler, at the head of three
hundred Mohawks, made a sudden and bold a-ttack upon
the French settlements at the north end of Lake Cham-
plain. An army of eight hundred men was despatched
from Montreal to oppose him. With them he had seve-
ral singular, but successful conflicts, in which he killed a
greater number of the enemy than his whole party.
In 1692, Colonel Fletcher succeeded governor Slough-
ter, and was authorized by his commission, to take com-
mand of the militia of Connecticut. This power having
been given by the charter to the governor of the colony
of New-England, he determined not to relinquish it, and
was supported by the people.
On the 26th of October, Colonel Fletcher came to Hart-
ford, while the assembly was sitting, and in his majesty's
name, demanded their submission of the militia to his
command, as they would answer it to his majesty ; and
that they would give him a speedy answer in one word,
Yes or no. He subscribed himself his majesty's lieutenant,
and conimander-in-chief of the militia, and of all the
forces by sea or land, and of all the forts and places of
strength, in the colony of Connecticut. He ordered the
92 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
militia of Hartford under arms, that he might beat up foi
volunteers.
It was judged expedient to call the trainbands in Hart-
ford together ; but the assembly insisted, that the com-
mand of the militia was expressly vested, by charter, in
the governor and company; and that they could, by no
means, consistently with their just rights and the com-
mon safety, resign it into any other hands. They insinu-
ated, that his demands were an invasion of their essential
privileges, and subversive of their constitution.
Upon this, Colonel Bayard, by his excellency's command,
sent a letter into the assembly, declaring, that his excel-
lency had no design upon the civil rights of the colony;
but would leave them, in all respects, as he found them.
In the name of his excellency, he tendered a commission
to Governor Treat, empowering him to command the mi-
litia of the colony. He declared that his excellency in-
sisted, that they should acknowledge it an essential right,
inherent in his majesty, to command the militia ; and
that he was determined not to set his foot out of the co-
lony, until he had seen his majesty's commission obeyed :
That he would issue his proclamation, showing the means
he had taken to give ease and satisfaction to his majes-
ty's subjects of Connecticut, and that he would distin-
guish the disloyal from the rest.
The assembly, nevertheless, would not give up the
command of the militia, nor would Governor Treat re-
ceive a commission from Colonel Fletcher.
The trainbands of Hartford assembled, and, as the tra-
dition is, while Captain Wadsworth, the senior officer,
was walking in front of the companies, and exercising
the soldiers, Colonel Fletcher ordered his commission and
instructions to be read. Captain Wadsworth instantly
commanded, " Beat the drums ;" and there was such a
roaring of them that nothing else could be heard. Colo-
nel Fletcher commanded silence. But no sooner had
Bayard made an attempt to read again, than Wadsworth
commands, " Drum, drum, I say." The drummers un-
derstood their business, and instantly beat up with all the
art and life of which they were masters. " Silence, si-
lence," says the colonel. No sooner was there a pause.
THE UNITED STATES. 93
than Wadsworth speaks with great earnestness, " Drum,
drum, I say ;" and turning to his excellency, said, " If I
am interrupted again, I will make the sun shine through
you in a moment." He spoke with such energy in his
voice, and meaning in his countenance, that no further at-
tempts were made to read or enlist men. Such numbers
of people collected together, and their spirits appeared
so high, that the governor and his suite judged it expedi-
ent soon to leave the town, and return to New-York.
No pen can describe the cruelties which were practised
during the French and Indian war. Women, soon ex-
pecting to become mothers, were ripped up, and their un-
born offspring dashed against a stone or tree. Infants,
when troublesome, were dispatched in the same manner.
Some of the captives were roasted alive ; others received
deep wounds in the flesh, and sticks on fire thrust into
them, and were thus tormented to death.
1694. Upon the solicitations of Governor Fletcher
and Sir Willam Phipps, agents, with a number of troops,
were sent to attend a treaty with the Five Nations. The
expense of it was about four hundred pounds.
December 10th, 1697, closed the horrid scene, by a
treaty of peace between Great Britain and France.
The winter of 1696 was unusually severe. Never had
the country sustained such losses in commerce, nor had
provisions ever been so scarce, or borne a higher price.
The surprise of Dover, in New-Hampshire, was attend-
ed by circumstances of the most shocking barbarity.
That the natives had been cruelly injured by Major Wal-
dron, the principal citizen, may account for it, if not ex-
tenuate their ferocity, in obtaining revenge. Having de-
termined upon their plan of attack, they employed more
than their usual art to lull the suspicions of the inhabi-
tants. So civil and respectful was their behaviour, that
they often obtained permission to sleep in the fortified
houses in the town.
On the fatal evening they assembled in the neighbour-
hood, and sent their women to apply for lodgings at the
houses devoted to destruction ; they were not only admit-
ted, but were shown how they could open the doors,
should they have occasion to go out in the night. When
94 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
all was quiet, the doors were opened, and a signal given.
The Indians rushed into Mr. Waldron's house, and has-
tened to his apartment. Awakened by the noise, he
seized his sword, and drove them back ; but when return-
ing for his other arms, he was stunned with a hatchet, and
fell.
They then dragged him into the hall, seated him in
n elbow chair, upon a large table, and insultingly asked
nim, " who shall judge Indians now ?" each one, with
his knife, cut gashes across his breast, saying, " I cross
out my account." When weakened with the loss of
blood, he was about to fall from the table, his own sword
was held under him, which put an end to his misery.
At other houses, similar acts of cruelty were perpe-
trated. In the whole town twenty-three persons were
killed, twenty-nine carried prisoners to Canada, and sold
to the French.
The details of individual sufferings that occurred during
this war, were they faithfully recorded, would excite the
sympathies of the most unfeeling bosom. One instance
only will serve to confirm the remark.
In an attack, by a body of Indians, upon Haverhill,
New-Hampshire, in the winter of 1697, the concluding
year of the war, a party of the assailants, burning with
savage animosity, approached the house of a Mr. Dustan.
Upon the first alarm, he flew from a neighbouring field to
his family, with the hope of hurrying them to a place of
safety. Seven of his children he directed to flee, while
he himself went to assist his wife, who was confined in
her bed with an infant a week old ; but before she could
leave the bed the savages arrived.
In despair of rendering her assistance, Mr. Dustan flew
to the door, mounted his horse, and determined in his own
mind to snatch up the child which he loved best. He
followed in pursuit of his little flock, but, on coming up
with them, he found it impossible to make a selection.
He determined, therefore, to meet his fate with them ;
to defend and save them from the knife of the pursuing
savages, or die by their side.
A body of the Indians soon came up with them, and,
from short distances, commenced a fire upon him and his
THE UNITED STATES. 95
little company. For more than a mile he continued to
retreat, placing himself between the fire of the Indians and
his children, and returned their shots with great spirit
and success. At length he saw them all safely lodged
from their bloody pursuers, in a distant house.
It is not easy to find a nobler instance of fortitude and
courage, inspired by affection, than is exhibited in this
heroic act. Let us ever cultivate the influence of those
ties of kindred, which are capable of giving so generous
and elevated a direction to our actions.
As Mr. Dustan quitted his house, a party of Indians
entered it. Mrs. Dustan was in bed, but they ordered her
to rise instantly, and, before she could finish dressing,
obliged her, and the nurse, who had in vain attempted to
escape with the infant, to quit the house, which they plun-
dered and burnt.
In these distressing circumstances, Mrs. Dustan began
her march, with other captives, in the wilderness. The
air was keen, and their path led through snow and deep
mud, and their savage conductors delighted rather in then
affliction, than in alleviating their distress.
The company had proceeded but a short distance, when
an Indian, thinking the infant an incumbrance, took it
from the arms of the nurse, and violently terminated its
life. Such of the other captives as became weary and in-
capable of proceeding, the Indians killed with their toma-
hawks. Feeble as Mrs. Dustan was, both she and ht *
nurse sustained, with wonderful energy, the fatigues and
misery attending a journey of one hundred and fifty miles.
On their arriving at the place of their destination, they
found the wigwam of the savage who claimed them, to be
inhabited by twelve Indians. In the ensuing April, this
family set out, with their captives, for an Indian settle-
ment, still more remote. The captives were informed,
that on their arrival at the settlement, they must submit
to be stripped, scourged, and run the gauntlet between
two files of Indians. This information carried distress to
the minds of the captive women, and led them promptly
to devise some means of escape.
Early in the morning of the 31st of April, Mrs. Dustan
awaking her nurse, and another fellow prisoner, they dis-
96 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
patched ten of the twelve Indians, while they were
asleep ; the other two escaped. The women then com-
menced their difficult and dangerous journey through the
wilderness, and at length arrived, safe at Haverhill. Sub-
sequently they visited Boston, and received from the
general court a handsome consideration for their extraor-
dinary sufferings and heroic conduct.
In 1698, the Earl of Bellamont was appointed governor.
He was particularly instructed to clear the American
seas of the pirates who infested them, and who, it was sus-
pected, had even received encouragement from Governor
Fletcher.
The government declining to furnish the necessary na-
val force, the earl, with others, engaged in a private un-
dertaking against them. The association procured a ves-
sel of war ; gave the command of it to a Captain Kidd,
and sent him to cruise against the pirates. He had been
but a short time at sea, when, disregarding his instruc-
tions, he made a new contract with his crew, and on the
Atlantic and Indian Ocean became himself a daring, atro-
cious, and successful pirate. Three years afterwards, he
returned, burned his vessel, and appeared publicly in Bos-
ton. He was apprehended and sent to England, where
he was tried, and executed.
When Governor Bellamont had settled the affairs of
that government, he returned to New-York, where he
died in 1701, greatly lamented.
Scarcely had the colonies recovered from the war
which ended in 1697, before they were again involved in
the horrors of another war with the French, Indians and
Spaniards, which continued from 1702 to March 31, 1713.
In February, 1704, Deerfield, in Massachusetts, was
surprised in the night. About 40 persons were killed, and
150 made prisoners, among whom were, Mr. Williams,
the minister, and his family. They came to the house of
Mr. Williams, forced open the doors, and entered the room
where Mr. Williams was sleeping. Awakened by the noise,
he seized his pistol, and snapped it at the first Indian, but
it missed fire, the house was then plundered, and two of
his children and the black female servant, were butchered
before his eyes The savages at length suffered his wife
THE UNITED STATES. 97
and himself, with five children, to put on their clothes,
and prepare for a long journey. Every house but the one
next to Mr. Williams' was consumed.
" One house still remains, as a painful memento to pos-
terity. The front door was hacked and hewn with hatch-
ets, until the savages had cut a hole through it ; through
this hole, they fired into the house ; this door, which still
bears its ancient wounds, and the hole, (closed only by a
board, tacked on within,) remains now as the savages left
it, and is a most interesting monument.
" Through the windows they also fired, and one bullet
killed the female head of the family, sitting up in bed,
and the mark of that bullet, as well as of four others, is
visible in the room ; in one of the holes in a joist, another
bullet remains to this day. This family were all killed or
carried into captivity."
The second day, Mrs. Williams began to fail, and could
go no farther. Her husband requested permission to re-
main with her; but they plunged a "hatchet into her head,
and compelled him to proceed. Before the termination
of their journey, twenty more shared the same fate.
Those who reached Canada, were treated with humanity
by the French.
At the end of two years, Mr. Williams, and fifty-seven
others, were redeemed, and he returned to Deerfield,
where he continued his labours in the ministry twelve
years, and died. His eldest daughter was married to an
Indian in Canada, where she lived many years. She came
into New-England once or twice, with her sannup and
children, to visit her friends, and at her death left a nu-
merous family.
In 1707, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New-Hamp-
shire, despatched an armament against Port Royal, in
Nova-Scotia, which was in possession of the French.
The expedition consisted of one thousand men ; but re-
turned without accomplishing its object.
General Nicholson visited England, and proposed an
expedition against Canada. In June, 1711, Admiral Wal-
ker, with a fleet of fifteen ships of war, and forty trans-
ports, arrived at Boston, and taking on board two addi-
tional regiments, he sailed from Boston the last of July
9
98 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
At the same time, General Nicholson proceeded from
Albany, at the head of four thousand men, from Connec-
ticut, New- York, and New-Jersey, against Canada.
The fleet had advanced about ten leagues up the river
St. Lawrence, when the river became foggy. Different
opinions arose concerning what course to take ; the Eng-
lish pilots recommended one course, the Americans an-
other. The admiral, like all other English officers,
adopted the advice of his own pilots ; and, about mid-
night, nine transports were driven upon the rocks, and
dashed to pieces. About one thousand men sunk to rise
no more.
Not a single American was lost. The admiral returned
to England, and, on the 15th of October, his ship blew
up, and four hundred seamen perished. The New-Eng-
land troops returned home, and when Nicholson, who had
advanced as far as Lake George, learned the fate of the
fleet, he led back his troops to Albany. The next year,
1713, France and England made peace at Utrecht ; this
relieved the northern part of the country, and in the same
year peace Avas concluded with the Indians.
Such was the destruction of lives in this war, that the
population of New-England was sensibly decreasing.
The expenses were great, which obliged them to issue
bills of credit, or paper money, which perplexed the go-
vernment in all their transactions.
In 1716, Samuel Street, a colonel in the army of the
celebrated Duke of Marlborough, was appointed gover-
nor. On his arrival in the province, he found the people
divided into parties ; one in favour of a public bank, which
had just been established; the other for a private bank.
He joined the former; the latter became hostile, and,
led by a Mr. Cook, opposed with virulence all his mea-
sures.
In 1715, after several years of profound peace, an In-
dian war broke out in South Carolina. All the tribes,
from Florida to Cape Fear, had been long engaged in a
conspiracy against the whites. On the morning of the
15th of April, the first blow was struck at the settlements
around Port Royal. Ninety persons were massacred.
Some of the inhabitants escaped by embarking on board
THE UNITED STATES. 99
a vessel which then lay in the harbour, and sailed directly
for Charleston. At a plantation on Goose Creek, seventy
whites, and forty faithful negroes, being protected by a
breast-work, determined to maintain their post; but on
the first attack, their courage failed them, and they agreed
to surrender. The instant they fell into the power of the
enemy, all were barbarously murdered.
Governor Craven, from North Carolina, at the head of
one thousand men, marched against the savages. He dis-
covered several small parties, who fled before him. At
Saltcatchers, he found them all assembled, and there an
obstinate and bloody battle was fought. The whites were
victorfous, and compelled the enemy to leave the province.
Most of them fled to Florida, and were kindly received
by the Spaniards.
In 1719, at a general review of the militia at Charles-
ton, occasioned by a threatening invasion of the colony
from Florida, the officers and soldiers bound themselves
by a solemn compact, to support each other in resisting
the tyranny of the proprietors ; and the assembly, which
was then in session, requested the governor, by a respect-
ful address, to consent to administer the government in
the king's name. He refused, and by proclamation dis-
solved the assembly. The members immediately met,
and elected Colonel James Moore their governor. He
was a bold man, and exceedingly well qualified for a po-
pular leader, in a turbulent season. He accepted the ap-
pointment, and administered the affairs of the colony.
The conduct oFthe proprietors, and people, was brought
before his majesty's council. After a full hearing, it was
decided, that both colonies should be taken under the pro-
tection of the crown. In 1719, Hunter, Governor of New-
York, quitted the province, and his authority devolved on
Peter Schuyler. The next year, William Burnet, son of
the celebrated bishop, was appointed governor. Turning
his attention towards the wilderness, he perceived that
the French, in order to secure themselves the Indian trade,
and confine the English to the sea coast, were erecting
forts, from St. Lawrence to the Mississippi. He endea-
voured to defeat these designs, by building a trading house
and fort at Oswego, on Lake Ontario. But the French
100 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
applied with great activity in accomplishing their object;
they launched two vessels upon the lake, and erected a
fort at Niagara ; they had previously erected Fort Fronti-
nac, commanding the outlet.
The peace of 1713, was of short duration. In 1722,
the eastern Indians began to be hostile, murdering seve-
ral persons, and burning the town of Brunswick. In 1723,
Dover was surprised, and several persons killed, and a
number carried into captivity ; and in 1724, repeated at-
tacks were made, and the English kept in a continual
alarm. Numbers were killed. The English in their turn
made an attack upon Norridgeway ; killed Railed, the Je-
suit, and about eighty-seven Indians. The war now raged
with violence, until 1726, when peace was restored. This
treaty was greatly applauded, and under it, owing to the
more pacific feelings of the Indians, and more faithful ob-
jervance of the English, the colonies experienced unu-
sual tranquillity for a long time.
*
The Settlement of Georgia, in June, 1732.
Several benevolent gentlemen in England, suggested a
plan of conveying all the indigent subjects of Great Bri-
tain thither. To a project springing from motives so no-
ble, the people and the government extended their pa-
tronage. In November, 1732, one hundred emigrants
embarked for Georgia. The next year, five hundred per-
sons arrived at that place. But it was soon discovered,
that these people had become poor by their idleness, and
were not fitted to fill the groves of Georgia.
The trustees therefore offered to receive such as had
become poor by unavoidable misfortune, and grant to each
one who should repair to the colony, fifty acres of land.
This offer brought more than four hundred persons into
Georgia.
In 1738, a disturbance was created among the negroes
in South Carolina. A number of them assembled at
Stono, surprised and killed two white men who had the
charge of a ware-house, from which they took guns and
ammunition. They then chose a captain, and with drums
proceeded southward, burning every house, and killing
THE UNITED STATES. 1*01
all the whites that fell in their way, and compelled all the
negroes to join them. Governor Bull, who was returning
from the southward, accidently met them, hastened out of
the way, and spread the alarm.
The news soon reached "Wiltown, where a large con-
gregation were attending divine service. The men, ac-
cording to the law, brought their arms to the place of
worship, and marched directly in quest of the negroes.
While in an open field, they were dancing with frantic
exultation at their late success, they were suddenly at-
tacked by the whites ; a number were killed, some fled,
and the remainder taken. They who had been compel-
led to join them were pardoned ; but all the leaders suf-
fered death. About twenty whites were murdered.
In 1744, war again broke out between England and
France, and the colonies were involved. Their com-
merce and fisheries suffered great injury from privateers
fitted out at Louisburg, a French port on Cape Breton.
Its situation was important. Nearly six millions of dol-
lars had been expended on its fortification. It was of
great importance that the colonies should destroy or take
possession of this strong hold, although it was consider-
ed impossible. Having exacted of the general court an
oath of secrecy, the governor, in January, 1745, commu-
nicated to them the project. Many heard it with amaze-
ment.
So srtrcng was the place, and so weak were the colo-
nies, that the thoughts of attacking it seemed rash and
presumptuous. The secret was disclosed by an honest
member, who prayed for divine blessing on the attempt,
if it should be made. The people were instantly struck
with the advantage of possessing the place. When the
decision was made known, a petition, signed by a large
number of merchants, was presented to the general court,
praying them to comply with the governor's proposals.
The subject was again discussed, and the vote in favour
of the expedition was only one majority.
The question was now decided, and all who were be-
fore averse to the enterprise, united heartily with the sup-
porters, to carry it into execution. The other New-
England colonies agreed to furnish assistance, and a boat
9*
102 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
was despatched to Commodore Warren, in the West In-
dies, to invite him to their assistance. In two months,
an army of more than four thousand men were enlisted,
clothed, victualled, and equipped for service, in the four
New-England colonies, which did not contain four hun-
dred thousand inhabitants.
On the 23d of March, the despatch boat returned from
the West Indies, with information that Commodore War-
ren declined furnishing any aid, without orders from Eng-
land. This intelligence was kept a secret. About the
19th of April, the troops, together with those from Con-
necticut and New-Hampshire, arrived safely at Canso.
Commodore Warren had but just despatched his answer,
when he received orders to repair to Boston, with such
ships as he could spare, and concert measures with Go-
vernor Shirley, for his majesty's service in North Ameri-
ca. He sailed immediately, but learning that the trans-
ports had sailed for Canso, he steered directly for that
place. He added much to the naval strength.
Several vessels of war, which had been sent to cruise
before Louisburg, had captured several French ships, and
prevented any intelligence of the expedition from reach-
ing them. Those vessels were daily within sight of the
place, bu-t were supposed to be privateers, and caused no
alarm. The appearance of the fleet on the 30th of April,
gave the French the first intimation of their danger. The
troops immediately landed, and the next day, four hun-
dred marched around the hills, approached within a mile
of the grand battery, setting fire to all the houses and
stores on the way. Many of these contained tar and
pitch, which produced a thick smoke, that completely en-
veloped the invaders. The fears of the French were in-
creased by their uncertainty. They imagined all the ar-
my was coming upon them, and throwing their powder
into a well, destroyed the battery, which the English took
without loss.
This was uncommon good fortune ; but the most diffi-
cult labour of the siege remained to be performed. The
cannon were to be drawn nearly two miles, over a deep
morass, in plain view, and within gunshot of the enemy's
principal fortification. For fourteen nights, the Droops,
THE UNITED STATES. 103
with straps over their shoulders, and sinking to their
knees in mud, were employed in the service. By the
20th of May, they had erected five batteries, one of
which mounted five forty-two pounders, and did great
execution.
Meanwhile, the fleet cruised in the harbour, and was
equally successful. It captured a French ship of sixty-
four guns, loaded with stores for the garrison, to whom
the loss was distressing. English ships of war were
continually arriving, and added such strength to the fleet,
that a combined attack upon the town was resolved upon.
The enemy, discovering this design, deemed it unwise to
run the hazard of an assault. On the 15th of June, the
French commander proposed a cessation of hostilities,
and on the 17th capitulated.
Intelligence of this event spread like lightning through
the country. The French flag was still standing upon the
walls of Louisburg, which decoyed several India ships,
supposed to be worth six hundred thousand pounds.
Well might the citizens of New-England be elated with
these glad tidings. Without even a suggestion from the
mother country, their commerce and fisheries were now
secure.
France, fired with resentment at her loss, made extra-
ordinary exertions to retrieve it, and to inflict chastise-
ment on New-England. The next summer, she des-
patched to the American coast a powerful fleet, carrying
a large number of soldiers. The news of its approach
spread terror throughout New-England. But an uncom-
mon succession of disasters, which the pious of that time
attributed to the special interposition of Providence, de-
prived it of all power to inflict injury. After remaining
a short time on the coast, it returned to France ; having
lost two admirals, both of whom, it was supposed, put an
end to their lives through chagrin ; having also, by tem-
pest, been reduced to one half its force, and effected no-
thing.
In 1748, peace was concluded; each party restored all
its prisoners and conquests; a striking, but not uncom-
mon illustration of the folly of war. Louisburg, though
conquered by the colonies, was exchanged by Great Bri-
104 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
tain for territories which she had lost in Europe. New
England murmured at this injustice, but what avail the
murmurs of the weak ?
In 1750, an act was passed, prohibiting the exportation
of hats out of the plantations of America, and to restrain
the number of apprentices taken by hat makers ; also,
an act providing a penalty of one hundred pounds for
the erection of any mill for slitting or rolling of iron, or
any plating forge to work with a tilt hammer.
CHAPTER V.
French and Indian War, which commenced in 1756, and
continued to 1763.
The war which ended in 1748, for a short period, gave
peace to America, and the population in the thirteen co-
lonies, amounted to one million and one hundred thou-
sand. Scarcely had the colonies time to reap the benefits
of peace, before their prospect was clouded, and the sound
of war filled the land with general anxiety and distress.
In 1756, the 18th of May, Great Britain declared war
against France.
The general cause leading to this war, commonly call-
ed the French and Indian war, was the encroachment of
the French upon Nova-Scotia, which had been ceded to
Great Britain by the 12th article of the treaty of Utrecht.
About this time, a company of English traders established
trading houses on the banks of the Ohio.
The French seized some of the traders, and conveyed
them prisoners to Canada. A tribe of Indians in Ohio,
among whom the English had been trading, resented the
seizure, and by way of retaliation, took several French
traders, and sent them to Pennsylvania. The Ohio com-
pany complained to Dinwiddie, governor of Virginia, who
laid the subject before the assembly, which ordered a
messenger to be despatched to the French commander in
Ohio, and require him to withdraw his troops.
Our beloved Washington happening to hear of it, in-
THE UNITED STATES. 105
stantly waited on his excellency, and offered his services,
but not without being terribly afraid lest his want of a
beard should go against him. However, the governor
was so charmed with his modesty and manly air, that he
never asked him a syllable about his age, but after thanking
him for " a noble youtli" and insisting on his taking a
glass of wine with him, slipped a commission into his
hand. The next day, accompanied by an interpreter
and a couple of servants, he set out on his expedition,
which was, from start to pole, as disagreeable and danger-
ous as any thing Hercules himself could have wished.
Soaking rains, chilling blasts, roaring floods, pathless
woods, and mountains clad in snows, opposed his course,
but opposed in vain. The glorious ambition to serve his
country imparted an animation to his nerves, which ren-
dered him superior to all difficulties.
Returning homewards, he was waylaid and shot at by
a French Indian, and though the copper coloured ruffian
was not 15 steps distant when he fired at him, yet not
even so much as the smell of lead passed on the clothes
of our young hero. On his return to Virginia, it was
found that he l\ad executed his negotiations, both with
the French and Indians, with such fidelity and judgment,
that he received the heartiest thanks of the governor and
council for the very important services he had done his
country.
He was now (in the 20th year of his age) appointed
major and adjutant-general of the Virginia forces. Soon
after this, the Indians continuing the encroachments, or-
ders Avere given by the English government, for the colo-
nies to arm and unite in one confederacy. Virginia took
the lead, and raised a regiment of four hundred men, at
the head of which she placed her darling Washington.
With this handful of brave fellows, Col. Washington,
not yet 23 years of age, boldly pushed out into the Indian
country, and there for a considerable time, Hannibal-like,
maintained the war against three times the number of
French and Indians. At the Red-Stones he came up with
a strong party of the enemy, whom he engaged and effec-
tually defeated, after having killed and taken thirty-one
men. From his prisoners he obtained undoubted intelli-
106 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
gence, that the French forces on the Ohio consisted of
upwards of a thousand regulars, and many hundreds of
Indians.
But notwithstanding this disheartening advice, he still
pressed on undauntedly against the enemy, and at a place
called Little Meadows, built a fort, which he called Fort
Necessity. Here he waited, hourly and anxiously look-
ing for succours from New- York and Pennsylvania ; but
he looked in vain nobody came to his assistance. Not
long after this his small force, now reduced to three hun-
dred men, were attacked by an army of 1100 French and
Indians. Never did the true Virginian valour shine more
gloriously than on this trying occasion.
To see three hundred young fellows commanded by
a smooth-faced boy all unaccustomed to the terrors of
war far from home, and from all hopes of help shut
up in a dreary wilderness, and surrounded by four times
their number of savage foes, and yet, without sign of fear,
without thought of surrender, preparing for mortal com-
bat. Oh ! it was a noble sight ! Scarcely since the days
of Leonidas, and his three hundred deathless Spartans,
had the sun beheld its equal. With hideous whoops and
yells the enemy came on like a host of tigers. The
woods, and rocks, and tall tree tops, (as the Indians, climb-
ing to the tops of the trees, poured down their bullets into
the fort,) were in one continued blaze and crash of fire-
arms.
Nor were our young warriors idle, but, animated by
their gallant chief, plied their rifles with such spirit, that
their little fort resembled a volcano in full blast, roaring
and discharging thick sheets of liquid fire, and of leaden
deaths among their foes. For three glorious hours, Sala-
mander like, enveloped in smoke and flame, they sustained
the attack of the enemy's whole force, and laid two hun-
dred of them dead on the spot. Discouraged by such
desperate resistance, the French general, the Count de
Villiers, sent in a flag to Washington, extolling his gallan-
try to the skies, and offering him the most honourable
terms. It was stipulated that Col. Washington, and his
little band of heroes, should march away with all the ho-
THE UNITED STATES. 107
nours of war, and carry with them their military stores
and baggage.
The conduct of the French against the Ohio company,
soon reached England. The English were convinced,
that their claims to the country through which that river
flows must be relinquished, or maintained by the sword.
They soon chose the latter, and early in the spring of
1755, they despatched General Braddock with a respecta-
ble force to America, to expel the French, and keep pos-
session of the territory.
In April, Braddock met the governors of several pro
vinces to confer upon the plan of the ensuing campaign.
Three expeditions were resolved upon ; one against Du
Quesne, to be commanded by General Braddock; one
against forts Niagara and Frontinac, to be commanded by
Governor Shirley, and one against Crown Point, by Ge-
neral Johnson. This last expedition was to be executed
by troops raised in New-England and New- York.
In the spring of 1755, Washington, while busied in the
highest military operations, was summoned to attend
Gen Braddock, who, in the month of February, arrived
at Alexandria with two thousand British troops. The
assembly of Virginia appointed eight hundred provincials
to join him. The object of this army was to march
through the country by the way of Will's Creek, to Fort
Du Quesne, (now Pittsburgh, or Fort Pitt.) As no person
was so well acquainted with the frontier country as Wash-
ington, and none stood so high in military fame, it was
thought he would be infinitely serviceable to General
Braddock.
At the request of the governor and council, he cheer-
fully quitted his own command, to act as volunteer aid-de-
camp to that very imprudent and unfortunate general.
The army, nearly three thousand strong, marched from
Alexandria, and proceeded unmolested within a few miles
of Fort Pitt. On the morning of the day in which they
expected to arrive, the provincial scouts discovered a
large party of French and Indians lying in ambush.
Washington, with his usual modesty, observed to Gen.
Braddock what sort of enemy he had now to deal with.
An enemy who would not, like the Europeans, come for
108 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
ward to a fair contest in the field, but, concealed behind
rocks and trees, carry on a deadly warfare with their rifles.
He concluded with begging that Gen. Braddock would
grant him the honour to let him place himself at the head
of the Virginia riflemen, and fight them in their own way.
And it was generally thought that our young hero, and his
eight hundred hearts of hickory, would very easily have
beaten them too, for they were not superior to the force,
which (with only three hundred) he had handled so roughly
a twelve month before.
But Gen. Braddock, who had all along treated the Ame-
rican officers and soldiers with infinite contempt, instead
of following this truly salutary advice, swelled and red-
dened with most unmanly rage. " High times, by G d,"
he exclaimed, strutting to and fro, with arms a-kimbo,
" High times ! when a young buckskin can teach a British
general how to fight!" Washington withdrew, biting
his lips with grief and indignation, to think what numbers
of brave fellows would draw short breath that day,
through the pride and obstinacy of one epauletted fool.
The troops were ordered to form, and advance in columns,
through the woods ! ! In a little time, the ruin which
Washington had predicted ensued. This poor devoted
army, pushed on by their mad-cap general, fell into the
fatal snare which was laid for them. All at once a thou-
sand rifles began the work of death. The ground wa
instantly covered with the dying and the dead.
The British troops, thus slaughtered by hundreds, and
by an enemy whom they could not see, were thrown irre-
coverably into panic and confusion, and, in a few minutes,
their haughty general, with 1200 of his brave but unfor-
tunate countrymen, -bit the ground. Poor Braddock
closed the tragedy wffh great decency. He was mortally
wounded in the beginning of the action, and Washington
had him placed in a carl ready for retreat. Close on the
left, where the weight or the French and Indian fire prin-
cipally fell, Washington, and his Virginia riflemen, dress-
ed in blue, sustaineu the shock. At every discharge of
their rifles, the wounded general cried out, " O my brave
Virginia blues ! Would to God I could live to reward
yor "or such gallantry." But he died. Washington
THE UNITED STATES. 109
buried him in the road, and, to save him from discovery,
and the scalping knife, ordered the wagons, on their re-
treat, to drive over his grave ! O, God ! what is man ?
Even a thing of nought !
Amidst all this fearful consternation and carnage,
amidst all the uproars and horrors of a rout, rendered
still more dreadful by the groans of the dying,-* the
screams of the wounded, the piercing shrieks of the
women, and the yells of the furious assaulting savages,
Washington, calm and self-collected, rallied his faithful
riflemen, led them on to the charge, killed numbers of
the enemy who were rushing on with tomahawks, check-
ed their pursuit, and brought off the shattered remains of
the British army.
With respect to our beloved Washington, we cannot
but mention here two very extraordinary speeches that
were uttered about him at this time, and which, as things
have turned out, look a good deal like prophecies. A
famous Indian warrior, who assisted in the defeat of Brad-
dock, was often heard to swear, that Washington was not
born to be killed by a bullet ; " for," continued he, " I
had seventeen fair fires at him with my rifle, and, after all,
I could not bring him to the ground." And, indeed, who-
ever considers that a good rifle, levelled by a proper
marksman, hardly ever misses its aim, will readily enough
conclude, with this unlettered savage, that some invisible
hand must have turned aside his bullets.
The Rev. Mr. Davies, in a sermon occasioned by Gen.
Braddock's defeat, has these remarkable works " I beg
leave to point the attention of the public to that heroic
youth, Colonel George Washington, whom I cannot but
hope providence has preserved for some great service to
this country."
Governor Shirley proceeded to Oswego, on Lake On-
tario. His army was poorly supplied with provisions, and
the rainy season approaching, he abandoned the expedi-
tion, and returned to Albany. The army under Gen.
Johnson arrived at the south end of Lake George, the
latter part of August, when he received information that
iwo thousand of the enemy, commanded by Barou Dies-
TO
110 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
kau, were marching against Fort Edward. Accordingly,
Colonel Williams was detached to intercept him.
Colonel Williams' party, which left the camp between
eight and nine o'clock in the morning of Sept. 8th, 1755,
very unexpectedly fell in with the army of Baron Dieskau ;
the two armies met in the road, front to front ; the Indians
of Dieskau's army were in ambuscade, upon both declivi-
ties of the mountains, and thus it was a complete surprise,
for Col. Williams had unhappily neglected to place any
scouts upon his wings. A bloody battle ensued, and a
deadly fire was poured in upon both flanks.
Col. Williams, endeavouring to lead his men against
the unseen enemy, was instantly shot through the head,
and he and hundreds of his party, including old Hendrick,
the chief of the Mohawks, and forty Indians, were slain.
The remainder of the party, under the command of Col.
Whiting, retreated into the camp. They came running
in, in the utmost confusion and consternation, and pet-
haps owed their safety, in a great measure, to another
party, which, when the firing was heard, and perceived
to be growing louder and nearer, was sent out to succour
them.
Nor did this battle terminate the fighting of this bloody
day. The remains of Dieskau's army retreated about
four miles, to the ground where Colonel Williams had
been defeated in the morning the rear of the army were
there sitting upon the ground, had opened their knapsacks,
and were refreshing themselves, when Captain M'Ginnies,
who with two hundred men, had been despatched from
Fort Edward to succour the main body, came up with this
portion of the French army, thus sitting in security, and
attacked and totally defeated them, although he was him-
self mortally wounded. Thus were three battles fought
in one day, and almost upon the same ground.
The neighbouring mountain, in which the French so
suddenly made their appearance, is to this day, called
French mountain ; and this name, with the tradition of
the fact, will be sent down to the latest posterity. I was
shown a rock by the road, at which a considerable slaugh-
Utr look place. It was on the east side of the road, near
THE UNITED STATES. Ill
where Colonel Williams fell, and I am informed, is to this
day, called Williams' Rock.
Just by the present road, and in the midst of these bat-
tle grounds, is a circular pond, shaped exactly like a bowl ;
it may be two hundred feet in diameter, and was, when I
saw it, full of water, and covered with the pond lily. Alas !
this pond, now so peaceful, was the common sepulchre of
the brave ; the dead bodies of most of those who were
slain on this eventful day, were thrown, in undistinguished
confusion, into this pond; from that time to the present,
it has been called the Bloody Pond ; and there is not a
child in this region but will point you to the French
Mountain and the Bloody Pond. I stood with dread upon
its brink, and threw a stone into the unconscious waters.
After these events, a regular fort was constructed at the
head of the lake, and called fort William Henry.
Early in the spring, 1756, the enemy, invited by the
success of the preceding year, made another irruption
into the inhabited country, and did great mischief. The
number of troops on the regular establishment, was totally
insufficient for the protection of the frontier. The Indians,
divided into small parties, concealed themselves with so
much dexterity, as seldom to be perceived until the blow
was struck. These murders were frequently committed
in the very neighbourhood of the forts, and the detachments
which were employed in scouring the country were gene-
rally eluded, or attacked to advantage. In one of these
skirmishes in the neighbourhood of a stockade, the Ame-
ricans was totally routed, and Captain Mercer killed.
The smaller forts were frequently assaulted and attack-
ed. The people either abandoned the country, or at-
tempted to secure themselves in small stockades, where
they were in great distress for provisions, arms, and am-
munition. Lord Loudon arrived in America, in July,
1756, as commander-in-chief. He was clothed with the
highest civil authority, having been appointed governor
of the colony. A complimentary address from the regi-
ment, stating their pleasure at his arrival and appoint-
ment, and the readiness with which they would execute
his commands, was presented to him ; also a statement of
112 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
the distress of the colony, and a particular description of
the situation of the military points.
An army was raised, of about twelve thousand men,
which was better prepared for the field than any army
that had been assembled in America. But the change of
commanders delayed the operations of the English army.
The French were active, and on the 12th of July, Gene-
ral Abercrombie received intelligence that they meditated
an attack upon Oswego, a post of the utmost importance.
Gen. Webb was ordered to prepare to march with a regi-
ment to support the defence of that place, but was de-
tained until the 12th of August. Before he had proceeded
far, he learned it was too late.
By the loss of Oswego, all the western country was laid
open to their ravages. There was reason to fear that the
frontier posts would be swept away, one after another,
and that all the preparations which had been made for an
early attack on the enemy, would be lost with them. Be-
sides, the enemy would have another year to fortify and
strengthen their posts, and to render the reduction of
them much more hazardous and difficult.
The colonies were obliged to submit, and Lord Loudon
sailed from New-York for Halifax, with six thousand land
forces, and there made a junction with Holbourn and
Hopson. Here was now an army of twelve thousand
men, exclusive of officers, aided by a powerful fleet ; but
they were so dilatory in their measures, that before they
were ready to sail, the Brest fleet, with seventeen sail of
the line, besides frigates and transports, arrived at Louis-
burg. The garrison was so reinforced as to amount to
nine thousand men. On the reception of this intelligence,
it was judged inexpedient to proceed, and the expedition
was given up.
liad the Earl of Loudon been a man of enterprise
had he wished to distinguish himself in his majesty's ser-
vice, or to have rendered himself popular in the colonies,
he might have conducted this powerful army to Ticonde-
roga, and carried all before him in that quarter. At least,
he might have sent on large detachments for the defence
of the frontiers. With his Prussian majesty, an Amherst,
or a Wolfe, these would have been but natural and com-
THE UNITED STATES. 113
mon achievements. But he returned leisurely to New-
York, and effected nothing.
The British generals in America did more, in two years,
by the pusillanimity, weakness, and inconsistency of their
councils, to injure the colonies, than the French could
hav r e done with all their force. The provincials would,
probably, have advanced to Crown Point the last year,
and made themselves masters of the country south of Lake
Champlain. They would undoubtedly have kept their
own posts, and prevented the evils which followed. The
British generals and officers not only lost Oswego, but
they destroyed the fortifications at the great carrying
place, and filled Wood Creek with logs and trees. They
cut off all communication between the colonies and the
Five Nations, the only body of Indians which preserved
the appearance of friendship to them. They abandoned
their whole country to the mercy of the enemy. Nothing
could be done to prevent their collecting the Indians,
from all quarters, to act against the colonies.
Monsieur Montcalm did not neglect to improve the ad-
vantages he had gained, and which the conduct of the
British generals afforded him. Finding that the troops
were drawn off to Halifax, he at once determined on the
siege of Fort William Henry, and the destruction of the
vessels, boats, and batteaux, at the south landing of Lake
George. Bodies of Indians, with his whole force, were
collected for this purpose.
Colonel Monroe, who commanded at Fort William Heri-
ry, having intelligence that an advanced party of the ene-
my lay at Ticonderoga, detached Colonel Parker, with
four hundred men, to surprise them. Having landed at
night, not far distant from the enemy, he sent three boats
to reconnoitre, directing them where to meet him in a
general rendezvous. The enemy, waylaying and inter-
cepting the boats, obtained a perfect knowledge of the
colonel's designs, and concerted measures to decoy him
into their hands. They laid an ambush behind the point
where they knew he designed to land ; and having been
reinforced to nearly double his numbers, they sent three
boats to the place appointed for the general rendezvous.
The colonel, mistaking them for his own boats, eagerly
10*
114 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
put to shore, and was instantly surrounded by the enemy.
They attacked him on all sides with such incessant vio-
lence, that seventy privates and two officers only made
their escape.
Elated with this success, Monsieur Montcalm hastened
to the siege of Fort William Henry. Having drawn to-
gether all his forces from Crown Point, Ticonderoga, and
the adjacent posts, with a greater number of Indians than
the French had ever employed on any other occasion, he
passed the lake, and regularly invested the fort. The'
whole army consisted of nearly eight thousand men. The
garrison consisted of about three thousand, and the forti-
fications were said to be good. At Fort Edward, scarcely
fourteen miles distant, lay General Webb, with four thou-
sand troops. The regular troops at the two posts, were
probably more than equal to the regular force of the
enemy.
A considerable proportion of their army consisted of
Canadians and Indians. Yet, in about six days, was this
important post delivered up into the hands of the enemy.
All the vessels, boats, and batteaux, which, at so much
expense and labour, had been for two years preparing,
fell into the power of the enemy. Though General Webb
had timely notice of the approach of the enemy, yet he
never sent to alarm the country, and bring on the militia.
He never reinforced the garrison, nor made a single mo-
tion for its relief. So far was he from this, that he sent
a letter to Colonel Monroe, who commanded the fort, ad-
vising him to give it up to the enemy.
Montcalm intercepted the letter, and sent it into the
fort to the colonel. He had acted the part of a soldier,
and made a brave defence ; but, having burst a number of
his cannon, expended a considerable part of his ammuni-
tion, and, perceiving that he was to have no relief from
General Webb, he capitulated on terms honourable for
himself and the garrison. It was, to march out with
arms, baggage, and one piece of cannon, in honour to
Colonel Monroe, for the brave defence he had made. The
troops were not to serve against the most Christian king
under eighteen months, unless exchanged for an equal
number of French prisoners.
THE UNITED STATES. 115
The French and Indians paid no regard to the articles
of capitulation, but, falling on the English, stripped them
of their baggage and few remaining effects ; and the In-
dians in the English service were dragged from the
ranks, tomahawked and scalped. Men and women had
their throats cut, their bodies ripped open, and their
bowels, with insult, thrown in their faces. Infants and
children were barbarously taken by the heels, and their
brains dashed out against stones and trees. The Indians
pursued the English nearly half the way to Fort Edward,
where the greatest number of them arrived in a most for-
lorn condition. It seems astonishing, that between two
and three thousand troops, with arms in their hands,
should, contrary to the most express stipulations, suffer
these intolerable insults.
When it was too late, General Webb alarmed the coun-
try, and put the colonies to great expense in sending on
large detachments of the militia for the defence of the
northern frontier. The sudden capture of the fort, the
massacre made by the enemy's Indians, and suspicions of
General Webb's treachery, and an apprehension that Ge-
neral Montcalm would force his way to Albany, put the
country into a state of great alarm and consternation.
People were never more alarmed during the war. At the
same time, there was never a more general and manly
exertion.
Connecticut detached, and sent on, in a few days, about
five thousand men. She had raised and sent into the
field, fourteen hundred before, which was more than her
proportion. Large reinforcements were marched on to
Albany, and Fort Edward, from New-York, and the other
colonies. General Webb, notwithstanding the great num-
bers of men with which he was reinforced, did not make
any effectual provision for the defence of the frontier set-
tlements. No sooner was one expedition finished by the
enemy, than another was undertaken. Soon after the
reduction of Fort William Henry, the enemy, with fire
and sword, laid waste the fine settlements at the German
Flats, and on the Mohawk River.
On the American station there were nearly twenty thou-
sand regular troops, and a large number of provincials in
116 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
service ; and yet one fortress find settlement after another
were swept away, and every where the enemy rioted
and triumphed with impunity. The army spent the re-
mainder of the campaign in inactivity. The provincials,
as the season for winter quarters approached, returned to
their respective colonies. The regular troops were sta-
tioned at Albany and Fort Edward. Thus ended the in-
glorious campaign of 1757.
By this time, under the repeated losses they had sus-
tained, the colonies had very much lost their confidence
in the British commanders in America. They, for two
years, had witnessed their dilatory measures, their incon-
sistency, want of foresight, and a spirit of enterprise, and
had such bitter experience of the consequences, that
they considered them as utterly disqualified for the im-
portant command which they held. To their incapacity
and pusillanimity, wholly did they impute the loss of Os-
vvego, Fort William Henry, and their other losses on the
frontiers.
Notwithstanding all the reinforcements which France
had sent to Canada, they, every campaign, had a force
much superior to the enemy. Had they been men of
military genius, skill, and enterprise, instead of the losses
they sustained, they might have led on their troops to
conquest and glory. Had the colonies been left to them-
selves, they would probably have done better.
The first year of the war, when left to themselves,
their achievements were honourable and useful to the na-
tion ; but now they had sustained two years of great ex-
pense, which had been worse than lost. Indeed, such
were the ministry, and the men whom they employed,
that misfortune and disaster attended them in almost
every quarter of the globe.* A British historian ob-
serves, with respect to this third campaign in America,
" That it ended to the eternal disgrace of those who then
commanded the armies, and directed the counsels of
Great Britain."
By this time, the disputes relative to the Ohio, Crown
* There was one exception : Admiral Watson and Colonel Clive
acted with great magnanimity and success upon the Ganges, in the
East Indies.
THE UNITED STATES. 117
Point, and territory in America, had involved a great part
of Europe in the flames of war. It had kindled in both
the Indies, and extended its destructive influence beyond
the Ganges. The disappointments and losses of the
British nation for a succession of years, and its present
exigencies, absolutely demanded a change of men and
measures. Men of capacity and enterprise were neces-
sary to retrieve its honour, and prevent its ruin.
By a most happy turn in Providence, those incompara-
ble men, Mr. Pitt, Mr. Leg, and their friends, had been
chosen and established in the ministry, and had time to
concert their measures, and choose the men to carry them
into execution. Now, therefore, every thing relative to
the nation, in Europe and America, took a new and sur-
prising turn. Now men were brought forward, upon
whose fidelity, skill, and spirit of enterprise, confidence
might be placed.
Notwithstanding the disappointments and losses of the
past years, they determined on the reduction of Louis-
burg, with a view of cutting off the communication be-
tween France and Canada, of destroying the French fishe-
ry, and of securing the trade and fisheries of Great Bri-
tain, and her colonies in America. At the same time, to
gratify the colonies, and to draw forth their whole
strength into exertion, they also determined on expedi-
tions against Crown Point and Fort Du Quesne.
. Intimations of his majesty's design, and of his expec-
tations from the colonies, were, at an early period, given
to them by letters from the Right Honourable Mr. Pitt.
These were written in a style which animated their cour-
age, and drew forth their most spirited exertions. The
people of Connecticut, in particular, exerted themselves
in an extraordinary manner.
A special assembly was convened, on the 8th of March,
at New-Haven, when the Right Honourable Mr. Pitt's let-
ter was communicated to the legislature, importing, that
his majesty had nothing more at heart than to repair the
losses and disappointments of the last inactive and un-
happy campaign, and by the most vigorous and extensive
efforts, to avert, by the blessings of God upon his arms,
the dangers impending over North America and not
118 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
doubting but his faithful and brave subjects here would
cheerfully co-operate with and second, to the utmost, the
large expense and extraordinary succours supplied by his
kingdom, for their preservation and defence ; and that
his majesty, judging that his colony, together with Mas-
sachusetts Bay, New-Hampshire, Rhode-Island, New-
York, and New-Jersey, were able to furnish twenty thou-
sand men, to join a body of the king's forces for inva-
ding Canada, and carrying the war into the heart of the
enemy's possessions ; and that it was his majesty's plea-
sure, that, with all possible despatch, there be raised as
large a body of men as the number of inhabitants would
allow, to begin the operations of the campaign, as soon
as practicable. And that no encouragement might be
wanting to so great and salutary an attempt, that strong
recommendations would be made to parliament, to grant
compensation for the expenses of said provinces, accord-
ing as their active vigour and strenuous efforts should ap-
pear justly to merit.
The legislature resolved, That, notwithstanding this
colony, when acting with the several provinces aforesaid,
in the three several expeditions undertaken the preceding
years, against Crown Point, hath raised a much greater
number of men than its just proportion, in comparison
with what they then raised, by means of which the num-
ber of men is greatly diminished, and its strength much
exhausted, yet that nothing be wanting on the part of
this colony, to promote the great and good design pro-
posed by his majesty, and relying on his royal encourage-
ment, five thousand good and effective men, including of-
ficers, shall be raised within this colony, as soon as may
be, for the service aforesaid. It was resolved at the same
time, that the assembly is sensible, that it is really more
than the number of men this colony can allow, without
great difficulty ; and much exceeds this colony's propor-
tion, even of twenty thousand men, when compared with
the other provinces.
It was resolved, that the said five thousand men should
be formed into four regiments, consisting of twelve com-
panies in each regiment ; that there should be one colo-
nel, one lieutenant-colonel, one major, and one chaplain
THE UNITED STATES. 119
to a regiment. The honourable Phinehas Lyman, Esq.
who had a general's command in 1755, Nathan Whiting,
Esq. Eliphalet Dyar, Esq, and John Read, Esq. were ap-
pointed colonels, to command the respective regiments.*
The Rev. Messrs. George Beckwith, Joseph Fish, Benja-
min Pomeroy, and Jonathan Ingersoll, were appointed
chaplains.
To encourage the speedy enlistment of men for the
service, the bounty was increased much beyond what it
had been in former years. All proper measures were
adopted to raise the troops with expedition, and to have
them seasonably in the field.
To provide for the expenses of such a number of troops,
the assembly enacted that thirty thousand pounds, lawful
money, in bills of credit, at five per cent, interest, should
be immediately printed : and that for a fund for the sink-
ing of said bills, a tax of eight pence on the pound should
be levied on the grand list of the colony, to be brought in
Anno Domini 1760. It was provided, however, that
such moneys as should arrive from Great Britain, for the
reimbursement of the expenses of the war, should be ap-
plied, by the treasurer, for the purpose of sinking the said
bills, and that if a sufficient sum should arrive before
the time fixed for the payment of said tax, to sink the
whole, that then said tax should not be levied, and that
the act respecting it should be null and void.
That the treasurer might be able to pay the troops on
their return from the public service, the assembly laid a
tax of nine pence on the pound on the whole rateable es-
tate of the colony, according to the list brought into the
assembly in October last, and ordered that it should be
collected by the last of December then following. And
as it was uncertain whether money would arrive, suffi-
cient to reimburse the expenses of the colony, in season,
a committee was appointed to borrow the sum of twenty-
five thousand pounds, to be paid before the 20th of May
* Each colonel was allowed forty pounds for his table, and the decent
support of his chaplain. Their wages, as colonels, and captains for one
company, was fifteen pounds per month. The bounty for each man
who would equip himself for the field, was four pounds. The wages
were the same as in the preceding year.
120 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
1761. For an ample fund to repay the sum to be bor-
rowed, a tax of five pence on the pound was levied on the
list which should be brought into the assembly in 1759,
to be paid into the treasury by the last of December,
1760.
It was enacted also, that any of the notes given for the
money borrowed, might be received in payment of said
tax. But, as considerable sums of money were expected
from England, for provisions, furnished for the troops un-
der Lord Loudon, in 1756, it was enacted that said money,
as fast as it should arrive, should be applied to discharge
the notes given for the money borrowed ; and that, if a
sufficient sum should seasonably arrive to discharge all
the notes, that then said tax should not be collected.
That nothing might be left undone, which could be at-
tempted for his majesty's service, the commissioners ap-
pointed in October, to meet those from the other colonies,
were now authorized to meet them at Hartford on the
19th of April, or as near that time as might be, to consult
on measures for the general safety, and to excite the se-
veral colonies to the most vigorous and united exertions
to carry his majesty's designs into execution.* As it ap-
peared by Mr. Pitt's letter, that Major General Aber-
crombie was chief commander of the troops for the north-
ern expedition, the governor was desired to give him
the earliest information of the measures adopted by the
colonies, and their vigorous preparations for an early and
successful campaign.
While the colonies were employing the most vigorous
exertions for an early campaign, such effectual measures
had been pursued in England, that, in February, the ar-
mament designed for the reduction of Louisburg, was in
readiness, and sailed for America. Admiral Boscawen
commanded the naval, and General Amherst the land ope-
rations. Under General Amherst, was Brigadier General
Wolfe. These were men of singular characters. Gene-
ral Amherst had the coolness and abilities of the Roman
Fabius, while General Wolfe possessed the magnanimity
and fire of the Scipios. From such men, great achieve-
* Records of the Colony for March 8lh, 1753.
THE UNITED STATES. 121
ments might reasonably be expected ; and their successes
equalled the most sanguine expectations.
Admiral Boscawen, and General Amherst, with the ar-
mament under their command, arrived safely in America;
and, on the 28th of May, the whole fleet, consisting of
one hundred and fifty-seven sail, with about fourteen
thousand troops on board, took its departure from Halifax,
and, on the second of June, appeared before Louisburg.
For six days the landing of the troops was impractica-
ble. The surf was so great, that no boat could live near
the shore. On every part of the coast where a landing
was judged practicable, the enemy had made entrench-
ments ; and, in places most convenient for the purpose,
they had erected batteries, and mounted cannon. During
the whole time after the discovery of the fleet, until the
landing of the troops, the enemy employed themselves in
strengthening their lines. These they manned with nu-
merous infantry. General Amherst, with a number of
his officers, reconnoitered the shore.
On the eighth the weather became more favourable,
though there was yet a great swell and surf. The Gene-
ral, determining not to a lose moment, seized the oppor-
tunity. Before the break of day, the troops were em-
barked in three divisions. The admiral and general made
their dispositions with consummate judgment. To distract
the enemy, and draw their attention to different parts, the
dispositions were made in this manner : The divisions
on the right, and in the centre, were designed only for
feints, while that on the left was appointed for the real
attack. This was commanded by General Wolfe. Be-
fore the landing, five frigates, and some other ships of
var, commenced a furious fire, not only on the centre, but
on the right and left of the enemy, to rake them in their
flanks. When these had fired about fifteen minutes, Ge-
neral Wolfe pressed to the shore. The enemy reserved
his fire until the boats were nearly in shore, and then
pouied upon them the united blaze and thunder of their
musketry and cannon. Many of the boats were overset,
and others dashed in pieces. Some of the men were
thrown, and others leaped into the water; and while
some were killed, and others drowned, the main body,
11
122 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
supported and animated by the noble example and con-
duct of their commander, pushed to the land, and with
such order and resolution rushed on the enemy, as soon
put them into confusion, and drove them from their en-
trenchments. When General Wolfe had made good his
landing, the centre division having moved to the left, and
the right following the centre, the landing was completed
in excellent order.
For many days the weather was so bad, and the swell
and surf so great, that scarcely any of the artillery or
stores could be landed. It was with great difficulty that
even the tents, provisions, and implements for the siege,
were got on shore. The weather was so bad at the time
of landing, and during the siege, that a hundred boats
were lost in the service. The enemy had five ships of
the line, and one or more frigates, in the harbour, and
could bring their guns to bear upon the troops, in their
approaches. The ground was exceedingly bad ; in some
places rough, in others boggy, wet, and miry. These ob-
stacles, with a brave resistance from the enemy, caused
the seige for some time to proceed slowly.
But no discouragements w r ere judged insurmountable,
by such generals as Amherst and Wolfe. By the twelfth
of June, General Wolfe had secured the point called the
light-house battery, and all the posts in that quarter. On
the twenty-fifth, he had silenced the island battery ; but
the shipping in the harbour kept up the fire upon him
until the twenty-first of July. One of the ships then took
fire and blew up. This set two others on fire, which
burnt to the water's edge. This was to the enemy an ir-
reparable loss.
By this time, Gen. Amherst had made his approaches
near to the city ; so that he was in good forwardness
to make lodgements on the covered way. The town, in
many places, was consumed to the ground, and in others,
was much damaged. The fire of the enemy greatly lan-
guished, )*et no proposals of capitulation were made.
One bold action more was necessary to bring them to
terms. That was to destroy, or bring off, the ships re-
maining in the harbour.
For this purpose, the admiral sent in a detachment of
THE UNITED STATES. 123
six hundred men, under the command of two enterprising
young captains, Laforey and Balfour. Between the 25th
and 26th of the month, under the darkness of the night,
they made their way through a terrible fire of cannon and
musketry, and sword in hand, took the two ships. One
ran aground, and was burnt ; the other they rowed out of
the harbour, in triumph.
The next morning, the governor proposed terms of ca-
pitulation. The garrison, consisting of five thousand se-
ven hundred and thirty-seven men, surrendered prisoners
of war. One hundred and twenty-one cannon, eighteen
mortars, and large quantities of stores and ammunition,
were taken. The enemy lost five ships of the line and
four frigates, besides other vessels. St. Johns, with
Louisburg, was given up, and the English became mas-
ters of the whole coast, from the St. Lawrence to Nova-
Scotia. This was the most effectual blow to France, which
she had received since the commencement of the war. It
was a deep wound to her navy, and especially to her co-
lonies and interests in America. It very much cut off her
communication with Canada, and greatly facilitated the
reduction of that country.
As the reduction of Ticonderoga and Crown Point was
a favourite object with the northern colonies, they made
early and great exertions for carrying it into effectual exe-
cution. Besides the assistance which they gave to the re-
duction of Louisburg, they furnished about ten thousand
troops for the northern expedition. These, in conjunction
with between six and seven thousand regular troops, had,
by the beginning of July, got into Lake George more
than a thousand boats and batteaux, a fine train of artille-
ry, provisions, and every thing necessary for an attack on
the fortresses of the enemy.
On the fifth of July, the army, consisting of fifteen
thousand three hundred and ninety effective men, embark-
ed in nine hundred batteaux, and one hundred and thirty-
hve whale boats, for Ticonderoga. Besides, there were
a number of rafts, on which cannon were mounted to co-
ver the landing of the troops. Early next morning, they
landed at the north end of Lake George, without oppo-
sition. The army formed in four columns, and began
124 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
their march for Ticonderoga. But as the woods were
thick, and the guides unskilful, the troops were bewilder-
ed, and the columns falling in one upon another, were en-
tirely broken.
In this confusion, Lord Howe, advancing at the head
of the right centre column, fell in with the advanced
guard of the enemy, consisting of a battalion of regulars
and a few Indians, who had deserted their advanced camp,
near the lake, and were precipitately fleeing from our
troops ; but had lost their way, and were bewildered in
the same way as they were. The enemy discharged, and
killed Lord Howe the first fire. The suddenness of the at-
tack, the terribleness of the Indian yell, and the fall of
Lord Howe, threw the regulars, who composed the cen-
tre columns, into a general panic and confusion; but the
provincials, who flanked them, and were acquainted with
their mode of fighting, stood their ground, and soon de-
feated them. The loss of the enemy, was about three
hundred killed, and one hundred and forty-eight taken.
The loss of the English was inconsiderable as to numbers,
but in worth and consequences, it was great. The loss
of that gallant officer, Lord Howe, was irreparable.
From the day of his arrival in America, he had con-
formed himself, and made his regiment to conform, to
that kind of service which the country required. He was
the first to endure hunger and fatigue, to encounter dan-
ger, and to sacrifice ail personal considerations to the pub-
lic service. While be was rigid in discipline, by his affa-
bility, condescending and easy manners, he conciliated
affection, and commanded universal esteem. Indeed, he
was considered very much as the idol and life of the ar-
my. The loss of such a man, at such a time, cannot be
estimated. To this, the provincials attributed the defeat
and unhappy consequences which followed.
As the troops for two nights had slept little, were
greatly fatigued, and needed refreshment, the general or-
dered them to return to the landing place, where they ar-
rived at eight in the morning.
Colonel Bradstreet was soon after detached with a
strong corps, to take possession of the saw mill, about
two miles from Ticonderoga, which the enemy had aban-
THE UNITED STATES. 123
doned. Towards the close of the day, the whole army
marched to the mill. The general, having received in-
formation that the garrison at Ticonderoga consisted of
about six thousand men, and that a reinforcement of
three thousand more was daily expected, determined to
lose no time in attacking their lines. He ordered his en-
gineer to reconnoitre the ground and intrenchments of
the enemy. It seems that he had not so approached and
examined them as to obtain any proper idea of them. He
made a favourable report of their weakness, and of the
facility of forcing them without cannon. On this ground-
!; > report, a rash and fatal resolution was taken, to at-
tack the lines without bringing up the artillery.
The army advanced to the charge with the greatest in-
trepidity, and for more than four hours, with incredible
obstinacy, maintained the attack. But the works where
the principal attack was made, were eight or nine feet
high, and impregnable even by field pieces ; and for
nearly an hundred yards from the breast-work, trees were
felled so thick, and so wrought together, with their limbs
pointing outward, that it rendered the approach of the
troops, in a great measure, impossible. In this dreadful
situation, under the fire of about three thousand of the
enemy, these gallant troops were kept, without the least
prospect of success, until nearly two thousand were killed
and wounded. They were* then called off. To this rash
and precipitate attack succeeded a retreat equally unad-
vised and precipitate. By the evening of the next day,
the army had retreated to their former encampment at the
south end of Lake George.
Nothing could have been more contrary to the opi-
nions, or more mortifying to the feelings of the provin-
cials, than this whole affair. They viewed the attack up-
on the lines without the artillery as the height of mad-
ness. Besides, it was made under every disadvantage to
the assailants. The enemy's lines were of great extent,
nearly three quarters of a mile. On the right of the
common path towards south bay, and especially on the
north, they were weak and of little consideration. In
both these quarters they might have been approached un-
der the cover of a thick wood.
11*
126 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OP
The army was sufficiently numerous to have attacked
the lines in their whole extent at once, or at least in a
very great part of them* and to have drawn their atten-
tion to various parts of their lines. But, unhappily, the
attack was made upon a small part of them where they
were far the strongest and most inaccessible. As no at-
tacks or feints were made in other parts, the enemy were
left to pour their whole fire on a small spot, while the
whole army could not approach it. Besides, the general
never approached the field, where his presence was in-
dispensably necessary, but remained at the mill, where he
could see nothing of the action, nor know any thing,
only by information at a distance of two miles. By rea-
son of this, the troops, for hours after they should have
been called off, were pushed on to inevitable slaughter.
But especially did the provincials reprobate the retreat.
They considered themselves as more than a match for the
enemy, should their pretended reinforcements arrive.
The army, after this bloody affair, consisted of fourteen
thousand effective men. After all the pompous accounts
of the numbers of the enemy, they amounted to little
more than three thousand. When the general retreated,
he had more than four effective men to one of theirs.
He had a fine train of artillery, and there were strong
grounds on which he might have encamped with the
utmost safety. There were eminences which commanded
all the works of the enemy, whence he might have enfi-
laded their front, and poured destruction on their whole
lines and camp.
The provincial officers were, therefore, clearly of the
opinion, that there was the fairest prospect of success,
notwithstanding their misfortune, could the expedition
only be prosecuted with energy and prudence. But the
general took his own way, without advising with them,
and appeared to retreat with the utmost perturbation.
The general never had been high in the estimation of
the provincials after the loss of Oswego ; but now he
sunk into contempt. They generally called him Mrs.
Nabbycrombie, importing that petticoats would much
better become him than breeches. To repair, as far as
might be, the disaster at Ticonderoga, the general detach-
THE UNITED STATES. 127
ed Colonel Bradstreet, with three thousand provincials,
on an expedition against Fort Frontenac.
With these troops Bradstreet sailed down the Ontario,
landed within a mile of the fort, opened his batteries, and,
in two days, forced this important fortress to surrender.
While these events were taking place in the northern
department, General Forbes, who had been appointed to
command the expedition to the southward, was advancing
with great activity and labour, to the conquest of Fort Du
Quesne. About eight thousand men had been assigned
to this service. In June, the general inarched from Phi-
ladelphia for the Ohio.
An attack, however, was needless, the fort having been
deserted by the garrison the evening before the arrival
of the army. General Forbes took quiet possession of
the place, and repaired the fort, and named it Fort Pitt,
in honour to Secretary Pitt.
The incredible fatigues of this campaign so broke the
constitution of this vigilant and brave commander, that
he returned to Philadelphia in a very enfeebled state ;
where, after languishing a short time, he died, universally
lamented.
When General Amherst arrived with his troops at the
lakes, the season was so far advanced, and such a body
of troops had been drawn off, for the expedition under
Colonel Bradstreet, that he judged it unadvisable to make
any further attempts against the enemy during that cam-
paign.
Notwithstanding the defeat at Ticonderoga, the cam-
paign closed with great honour and advantage, not only to
the colonies, but to the nation in general. In this, the
fourth year after the commencement of hostilities, the
English had not only reduced Louisburg, St. Johns, and
Frontenac ; but had made themselves the undisturbed
possessors of that fine tract of country, the contention
for which had kindled the flames of war in so general
and destructive a manner. Success had attended the
British arms, not only in America, but in almost every
quarter of the globe. The successes in America, besides
many other important advantages, paved the way for that
128 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OP
series of successful events, which terminated in the entire
reduction of Canada.
Another favourable occurrence of this year, which had
its influence in that great event, was a general treaty aftd
pacification with all the Indian nations, inhabiting between
the Appalachian mountains and the lakes. This was
completed at Easton, on the eighth of October.
1759. It was proposed to attack Canada, and it was de-
termined, that three powerful armies should enter the
country by different routes, and commence an attack at
the same time. General Amherst, who commanded one
division, in his route attacked Ticonderoga. The garri-
son soon surrendered, as the principal part of them had
retired to Crown Point. General Amherst proceeded
against this place, and took possession of it, but the ene-
my, before their arrival, fled to Isle aux Noix, in the north-
ern part of Lake Champlain. The second party, com-
manded by General Prideaux, was destined against Nia-
gara, but he was killed by the bursting of a cohorn. Sir
William Johnson, on whom the command now rested,
successfully put in execution the plans of his lamented
predecessor ; and on the twenty-fourth of July, a gene-
ral battle took place. The action was warm and bloody,
and the carnage was great ; but the conflict was short,
which placed Niagara in the hands of the English.
An expedition against Quebec was the most daring and
important. That place was so well strengthened, that all
expeditions against it had failed. It was commanded by
Montcalm, who was posted below the town, with a strong
force, and the town was covered by an army of 10,000
men. General Wolfe was determined to try his skill in
this case. He soon took possession of Point Levi, on
the southern bank of the St. Lawrence, and erected bat-
'.eries. By means of these, he destroyed many houses,
but made little impression on the fortifications of the
town ; he resolved to quit his post.
General Wolfe made several attempts to reduce the
place, but they all proved unsuccessful. He also at-
tempted to destroy the shipping ; this attempt also proved
abortive. Stung with chagrin at his own disappointment,
General Wolfe determined to ascend a precipice of about
THE UNITED STATES. 129
one hundred and seventy-five feet, by which he might
gain the heights of Abraham.
On the 12th of September, one hour after midnight,
General Wolfe, with his army, leaving the ships, embark-
ed in boats, and silently dropped down with the current,
intending to land a league above Cape Diamond, and thus
to gain the heights of Abraham. But, owing to the ra
pidity of the current, they fell below their intended place,
and disembarked at what is now called Wolfe's cove, a
mile, or a mile and a half, above the city. The operation
was a most critical one they had to navigate in silence,
down a rapid stream to hit upon the right place for a
landing, which, in the dark, might be easily mistaken
the shore was shelving, and the bank to be ascended was
steep and lofty, and scarcely practicable, even without
opposition. Doubtless, it was this combination of cir-
cumstances which lulled the vigilance of the wary and
discerning Montcalm ; he thought such an enterprise ab-
solutely impracticable, and therefore had stationed only
sentinels and picket guards along this precipitous shore.
Indeed, the attempt was in the greatest danger of being
defeated by an occurrence, which is very interesting, as
marking much more emphatically, than dry official ac-
counts can do, the very great delicacy of the transaction.
One of the French sentinels, posted along the shore,
challenged the English boats in the customary military
language of the French ; " Qui vitT' who goes there ! to
which a captain of Frazer's regiment, who had served in
Holland, and was familiar with the French language and
customs, promptly replied, " la France" The next ques-
tion was much more embarrassing, for the sentinel de-
manded, " a quel regiment ?" " to what regiment." The
captain, who happened to know the name of one of the
regiments which was up the river with Bougainville,
promptly rejoined, " de la Reine" " the queen's." The
soldier immediately replied, " passe," for he concluded
at once, that this was a French convoy of provisions,
which, as the English had learned from some deserters,
was expected to pass down the river to Quebec.
The other sentinels were deceived in a similar manner,
but one, less credulous than the rest, running down to the
130 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
water's edge, called out, " Pourquoi est ce que vous ne
parlez plus haut ?" " why don't you speak louder ?" The
same captain, with perfect self-command, replied, "Tai,
toi, nous serons entendues !" " hush, we shall be over-
heard and discovered." The sentry, satisfied with this
caution, retired. The British boats were on the point of
being fired into by the captain of one of their own trans-
port ships, who, ignorant of what was going on, took
them for French; but General Wolfe, perceiving the
commotion on board, rowed along side in person, and pre-
vented the firing, which would have alarmed the town,
and frustrated the enterprise.
General Wolfe, although greatly reduced by a fever, to
which a dysentery was superadded, was, nevertheless, the
first man to leap ashore. The rugged precipices, full of
projections of rocks, and of trees, and shrubs, growing
every where among the cliffs, into which the bank was
broken, presented a most forbidding appearance, and Ge-
neral Wolfe, familiarly speaking to an officer who stood
by, said, " I don't believe there is any possibility of get-
ting up, but you must do your endeavour."
There was only a narrow path, leading obliquely up
the hill ; this had been rendered by the enemy impassable,
in consequence of being broken up by cross ditches, and
there was, besides, an entrenchment at the top, defended
by a captain's guard. This guard was easily dispersed,
and the troops then pulled themselves up by taking hold
of the boughs and stumps of the trees, and of the projec-
tions of the rocks.
This precipice (which may be, in different places, from
one hundred and fifty to two hundred feet high) is still
very rude and rugged, but probably much less so than in
1759 ; it can now be surmounted, without very great diffi- '
culty, by men who are unmolested.
Wolfe staked all upon a very hazardous adventure ;
had he been discovered prematurely, through a spy, a
deserter, or an alarmed sentry, his army would have been
inevitably lost ; but, having gained the heights, he formed
his troops, and met the enemy in good order.
When Montcalm first received information that the
English occupied the heights of Abraham, he was greatly
THE UNITED STATES. 131
surprised. He saw that a battle was inevitable, and pre-
pared to fight. The French advanced briskly ; the Eng-
lish reserved their fire until the enemy were near, and
then gave it with decisive effect. Early in the engage-
ment, Wolfe received a slight wound in his wrist, but,
binding his handkerchief around it, he continued to en-
courage his men.
Soon after this, he received another in his groin. This
he also concealed, and continued to urge on his troops,
until a third ball pierced his breast, which obliged him to
quit the command, which fell on Monckton. He was
soon wounded, and the command devolved upon Towns-
hend. At this moment, Montcalm, fighting at the head
of his men, was mortally wounded, and General Jenne-
zergus, his second in command, also fell. The loss of
their commanders caused the French to give way. Wolfe,
who was reclining his head on the arm of an officer, was
aroused by the cry of " they fly they fly !" the hero
eagerly asked, " who fly ?" being informed the French
were routed, " then," said he, " I die in peace," and ex-
pired.
This death, says Professor Stillman, has furnished a
grand and pathetic subject for the painter, the poet, the
historian, and, undoubtedly? considered as a mere military
glory, it is one of the most sublime that the annals of war
afford. In five days after the battle the city surrendered,
and received an English garrison.
In September, 1760, Montreal fell into the hands of the
English, and, soon after, all the French posts in Canada
fell into their power. Thus ended a war which had con-
tinued six years, which had cost many thousand lives,
and much distress. In 1763, Nova Scotia, Canada, the
Isie of Cape Breton, and all other islands in the gulf, and
near the St. Lawrence, were ceded to the British crown.
REMARKS ON PART SECOND.
Manners and Customs. The rapid increase of wealth
began to introduce among the colonies the tastes and
fashions of the European countries, but their continuance
was short among the Americans.
132 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
Religion. The Dntch reformed religion generally pre-
vailed in New- York ; during this period, Shakers and
Friends arrived in America. During the French and
Indian war, infidelity was introduced into the army by
the English officers and soldiers who came into this coun-
try, and from the army it spread through society gene-
rally. Population, 2,500,000.
UNIVERSAL HISTORY
OF THE
UNITED STATES.
FART THIRD.
CHAPTER VI.
A Summary View of the Causes that led to the American
Revolution.
ALTHOUGH the narrow and illiberal policy of the British
government towards her North American colonies, from
their first settlement, was calculated to alienate the affec-
tions of the colonies from the parent country ; yet from
their exposed situation, and habitual loyalty, this unworthy
conduct, long persevered in, produced no sensible impres-
sion on the Americans ; their loyalty and attachment to
the interest of Britain were not in the smallest degree im-
paired, down to the period of the peace of Paris, in 1763.
Never had they shown so much zeal, or made such great
sacrifices in the cause of their country, as during the pre-
ceding war ; having lost more than twenty-five thousand
men, expended all the revenues they could raise, and in-
volved themselves deeply in debt.
Almost the whole burdens of the war in America, had
fallen on the colonies ; and their exertions were altoge-
ther disproportionate to their means, and tended greatly
to impoverish and distress them. After eight years' ardu-
ous struggles, attended with the greatest sacrifices, the
successful termination of the war the dominion of France
in America being relinquished forever occasioned uni-
versal foy throughout the colonies ; they forgot their suf-
12
134 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
ferings and distresses, in the fair prospects which the
peace afforded.
But these prospects were of short duration ; the peace
of Paris formed a new era in the views and conduct of
Great Britain towards her colonies in America. The pos-
sessions of France, in America, having been ceded to
Britain, and having no longer any fear of her power in
this hemisphere, a system of measures was pursued to-
wards the colonies, originating in jealousy, and tending to
despotism. As soon as the colonies had fought their way
to a condition which afforded the prospect of rapidly in-
creasing in population and wealth, attempts were made
to restrict their commercial and political privileges, and
gradually to reduce them to the most wretched state of
colonial vassalage.
For a century and a half, the colonies had been left to
themselves as to taxation ; their own local assemblies had
provided the necessary revenues to defray the expenses
of their governments ; and the parliament of Great Britain
had neither directly nor indirectly ever attempted to de-
rive a dollar of revenue from America; although various
acts had from time to time been passed, regulating the
trade and commerce of the colonies, yet none of these
were designed or regarded, either in Britain or America,
as revenue laws.
But in an inauspicious moment, the British ministry
conceived the idea of taxing the colonies, under the pre-
tence of providing for their protection, but in reality to
relieve the nation from the immense debt, the weight of
which hung heavily upon it. This iniquitous scheme,
originating with the cabinet, was easily introduced into
parliament ; and in March, 1764, as a prelude to the me-
morable Stamp Act, the house of commons resolved :
" That towards further defraying the necessary expen-
ses of protecting the colonies, it may be necessary to charge
certain stamp duties upon them ;" and this resolution was
followed by what was commonly called the Sugar Act,
passed on the 5th of April, and introduced by the follow-
ing truly alarming preamble : " Whereas it is just and
necessary that a revenue be raised in America, for de-
fraying the expenses of defending, protecting, and secu-
THE UNITED STATES. 135
ring the same ; we, the commons, &c. towards raising
the same, give and grant unto your majesty, after the
29th day of September, 1764, on clayed sugar, indigo,
and coffee, of foreign produce, [and various other articles,]
the sum of," &c. This was the first act adopted by par-
liament, for the avowed object of raising a revenue in the
colonies.
The justice of this measure, which appeared so clear
to the British parliament, was regarded in America as
oppression and tyranny, and occasioned great excitement
and alarm. The deceptive pretension, that the revenue
was to be raised for the purpose of protecting the colo-
nies, was only adding insult to injustice ; as the colonies
supposed that they were capable of protecting themselves,
and they apprehended that the object was rather under
the pretence of affording them protection, to maintain a
military force in America, for the purpose of dragooning
them into submission, and enforcing an unconstitutional
system of taxation ; thereby rendering them the instru-
ments of forging their own chains.
This act was rendered more disgusting by a provision
that the money raised by it must be paid in specie, and
another, that those charged with having violated the re-
venue laws, might be prosecuted in the courts of admi-
ralty ; whereby they were deprived of the privilege of
trial by a jury, and were liable to be condemned by .a sin-
gle officer of the crown, whose salary was to be paid from
the very forfeitures decreed by himself. And this was
not all, or even the worst ; as the trial was conducted on
such principles, that the accused, contrary to the well
known maxims of the common law, and repugnant to
every idea of justice, was obliged to prove himself inno-
cent, or suffer the penalties of the law. These iniquitous
proceedings destroyed all security of property, and left
every one at the mercy of the minions of the British
crown. Their pernicious influence was soon felt exten-
sively in the colonies ; they no longer regarded Great Bri-
tain as an affectionate mother, but viewed her in the light
of a selfish, cruel, and imperious step-mother.
The designs of the ministry were penetrated, and oc-
casioned great alarm, which spread wider and wider, until
136 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
it became universal. The press, that great engine of
truth and liberty, was called into requisition ; the subject
was ably and elaborately discussed, and the more it was
discussed, and the better it was understood, the more
strong and determined the opposition became. All the
colonies petitioned and remonstrated against these ob-
noxious measures, and most of them appointed agents to
present their memorials to parliament, or the king.
But, notwithstanding the opposition and excitement in
America, and the remonstrances of the colonies, Mr.
Grenville, who was at the head of the treasury, prepared
the stamp bill, and introduced it into parliament in Febru-
ary, 1765; and, although opposed with all the powers of
eloquence, by Alderman Beckford, Mr. Jackson, Colonel
Barre, Sir William Meredith, and others, it was adopted
by a great majority, fifty only voting in opposition, out of
about three hundred members who were present.
On the second reading of the bill, various petitions, not
only from the colonies, but from the London merchants
interested in the American trade, were presented; but
the petitions were not even received, being refused, on
the plea that no memorial could be received on a money
bill. Having passed both houses of parliament, on the
22d of March, the stamp act received the royal assent.
Dr. Franklin, then in England, as agent for Pennsylva-
nia, wrote to Charles Thompson, afterwards secretary of
congress " The sun of liberty is set ; you must light up
the lamps of industry and economy." Mr. Thompson,
in a spirited reply, observed, " That he thought other
lights would be lighted up to resist these unconstitutional
measures." It is unnecessary to add, that this prediction
was soon fulfilled.
This unjust and impolitic act was the first great cause
which led to the American revolution ; indeed, it was sub-
stantially the first scene in the bloody drama of that revo-
lution. It was passed in parliament, on the 7th of Fe-
bruary, 1765, under the ministry of Lord Grenville, and
was repealed on the 18th of March, 1766, from the influ-
ence of Mr. Pitt. This period of thirteen months was
the most eventful and tumultuous of any which had
hitherto occurred ; the apprehensions of the people were
THE UNITED STATES. 137
roused to the highest pitch, and the most determined spi-
rit of opposition prevailed throughout the colonies.
The Americans had not believed that the act would be
passed, and on receiving the intelligence, every one was
struck with astonishment, and filled with consternation ;
they looked at each other with amazement, and, for a
short interval, hesitated what course to pursue ; but soon
recovering from their consternation, they determined not
to submit to such a flagrant outrage on their rights. In
Boston, the ships in the harbour, in token of the deepest
mourning, suspended their colours half mast high ; the
bells were wrung muffled ; and the obnoxious act, with a
death's head in front of it, with the motto " The folly of
England, and the ruin of America" was carried in
solemn procession about the streets.
The discontents soon spread throughout the colonies,
and the opposition became general and determined ; the
spirit of the people gave a tone to the colonial assem-
blies, and bold and decided resolutions were adopted
against the iniquitous scheme of parliamentary taxation.
Virginia took the lead, and on the 28th of May, 1765,
Patrick Henry introduced his celebrated resolutions into
the house of burgesses, which declared that the inhabi-
tants of that colony were entitled to, and had possessed
and enjoyed, all the rights, liberties, and privileges, of
the people of Great Britain ; that the general assembly of
the colony had always exercised, and alone possessed, the
power to levy taxes and imposts on the inhabitants of
the colony, and that they " were not bound to yield obe-
dience to any law or ordinance whatsoever, designed to
impose any taxation whatever upon them, other than the
law and ordinances of the general assembly." So bold
and unexpected were these resolutions, that whilst they
were reading, one of the members cried out " treason !
treason !"
These resolutions were communicated to all the colo-
nies, and the spirit they breathed spread from one legis-
lature to another, and their sentiments were reiterated in
resolutions adopted by the legislatures, and the freemen
in public meetings. Committees were appointed, by the
138 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
assemblies of the colonies, to correspond with each other,
and to meet for consultation ; the object of which was to
secure harmony of feeling and concert of action. These
measures had a very happy effect ; in the mean time, the
press teemed with constant publications, vindicating the
rights of the colonies ; and many of them were of a
highly inflammatory character, calculated to raise the
public mind to the highest pitch. The pulpit, also, parti-
cularly in New-England, laboured in the same cause, with
great zeal and effect ; the flame of liberty kindled from
breast to breast, and spread from provinca to province,
until the conflagration became general. The spirit of
opposition ran so high, as to break out into acts of tumult
and disorder.
In Boston, the effigy of Mr. Oliver, the stamp master,
was burnt, and his house assailed, partly demolished, and
his furniture destroyed; and soon after, the house of
William Storer, deputy-register of the court of admi-
ralty, was attacked, and the books and files of the court
destroyed ; and the house of Benjamin Hallowell, comp-
troller of the customs, shared the same fate. These out-
rages were followed by a more bold and daring attack
upon the dwelling of Mr. Hutchinson, lieutenant-gover-
nor of the province ; he was obliged to flee to save his
life, and his house was entirely demolished, except the
walls, and every thing in it destroyed or carried oft'. Si-
milar outrages were committed in other places.
In Connecticut, Mr. Ingersoll, the stamp officer, was
burnt in effigy in many towns ; and whilst he was pro-
ceeding from New-Haven to Hartford, where the assem-
bly was in session, he was pursued and overtaken by a
large concourse of people, some from more than thirty
miles, and compelled to resign his office, which was fol-
lowed by three hearty cheers of liberty and property.
This took place at Weathersfield, from whence the peo-
ple, who were headed by militia officers, proceeded to
Hartford, where Mr. Ingersoll was compelled to read his
resignation in the hearing of the assembly, which was
succeeded by loud acclamations of liberty and property.
In New- York, the stamp officer was compelled to resign,
and Lieutenant-Governor Golden was burnt in effigy,
THE UNITED STATES. 139
with a stamp bill in his hand, suspended from his own
coach, and the whole was consumed together.
In the southern colonies, the public feeling did not lead
to the same excesses ; but in all of them, means were
found to compel the stamp officers to resign ; and in all
the colonies the assemblies adopted resolutions in oppo-
sition to the stamp act, although, in many of them, the
royal governors prorogued and attempted to stop their
proceedings. The members of the colonial assemblies
were animated and encouraged by the people, who, in
most of the towns, instructed them to oppose the stamp
act. But the most important measure to unite the colo-
nies, and give energy and effect to their opposition, was
convening a continental congress, consisting of deputies
appointed by each colony. This measure was first pro-
posed by the assembly of Massachusetts. The meeting
was appointed to be holden in New- York, in October, 1765.
All the colonies, except New-Hampshire, Virginia,
North Carolina, and Georgia, sent deputies ; the three last
of these colonies were prevented by their governors, and
the first excused itself on account of its peculiar situa-
tion. The congress, after mature deliberation, adopted
a declaration of rights, and a statement of the grievances
of the colonies, and asserted, in the strongest terms, their
exemption from all taxes not imposed by their own re-
presentatives. It also prepared a petition to the house of
commons.
As the first of November, the time when the stamp act
was to go into operation, approached, public feeling be-
came still stronger, and was excited to the utmost to pre-
vent the execution of the law. In New-York, ten boxes
of stamps, which had arrived there for Connecticut, were
seized by the populace and burned ; and in other ports,
the masters of vessels, which brought out stamps, were
compelled to return with their detestable cargoes, or deli-
ver them up to the people to be destroyed. In Boston and
many of the principal towns, the first of- November was
kept as a day of mourning and deep distress ; all the
shops were shut, the bells were tolled muffled, and the
effigies of the authors and abettors of the act were car*
140 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
ried in procession through the streets, and then torn to
pieces, and consumed by the flames.
The lawyers of the supreme court in New- Jersey, re-
solved that they would not purchase the stamps in their
professional business, and that they would relinquish their
practice as a sacrifice to the public good ; and the princi-
pal merchants in the colonies, and great numbers of other
classes of the inhabitants, entered into solemn engage-
ments not only to refuse to use the stamps, but also not
to import any more goods from Great Britain until the
stamp act should be repealed. Associations were formed,
called the " Sons of Liberty," the object of which was,
to assist and protect with force, if necessary, every one
who might be in danger from his resistance or opposition
to the stamp act. This bold association originated in
New- York, and prevailed throughout New-England, and,
had not the act been repealed, must have led to civil
war.
The restrictive measures produced distress and tumults
in England ; large numbers of the manufacturers being
thrown out of employment, and more than forty thousand,
with black flags, appeared in the streets in London, and
surrounded the royal palace and parliament house. For-
tunately a change of ministry took place, in consequence
of what was called the regency bill, and Lord Grenville
was succeeded by the Marquis of Rockingham, as first
lord of the treasury, and the Duke of Grafton and Gene-
ral Conway were appointed secretaries of state.
In January, the parliament met ; the affairs of America
occupied the principal attention, and the first talents of
the house were engaged in the discussion. Mr. Pitt, who
had been confined to his bed by sickness, when the stamp
act was passed, now came forward as the great champion
of the rights of the Americans, and with his manly and
all powerful eloquence, opposed the unjust, unconstitu-
tional, and dangerous measure ; he even justified the
Americans in their resistance of an act of tyranny and
oppression. After a long and animated discussion, the
act was repealed, accompanied, however, with a declara-
tion, " that the king and parliament had, and of right
ought to have, full power and authority to make laws and
THE UNITED STATES. 141
statutes of sufficient force to bind the colonies, and his
majesty's subjects in them, in all cases whatever." An
act of indemnity was also passed.
The repeal of the obnoxious act occasioned universal
joy, both in Great Britain and America ; the ships in the
Thames displayed their colours, and the whole city of
London was illuminated ; and in the colonies, notwith-
standing the declaratory act, asserting the principle of tax-
ation, the joy and rejoicings were universal ; the non-im-
portation resolutions were rescinded ; animosities, ill
treatment, and every thing past, were forgotten, and com-
mercial intercourse with Great Britain, was resumed with
greater activity than ever before had been witnessed. The
colonies hoped and believed, that harmony would now be
restored, and did every thing in their power to promote
this desirable object.
But the officers of the crown, the minions of power,
and the expectants of place, kept up a correspondence
with the officers of the British government at home, and
attempted to promote their own selfish views by misre-
presenting their countrymen. Governor Bernard, of
Massachusetts, was the head of this party, which contri-
buted so much to breed difficulties, and bring matters to a
crisis. Notwithstanding that the declaratory act still
hung over the heads of the colonies, like a portentous
cloud, it was not generally expected that the British go-
vernment would very soon make another so dangerous an
experiment. But these reasonable expectations, however,
soon proved to be fallacious, and all reliance on the justice
or liberality of Britain, was found to be deceptive and
dangerous.
Notwithstanding the distraction into which the colonies
had been thrown, by the stamp act, within a few months
after its repeal, and before the wounds it had occasioned
had had time to heal, the chancellor of the exchequer,
Charles Townshend, came forward with a new scheme of
taxing America, and was so sanguine in his views, that he
pledged his character for the success of the project. The
new revenue scheme was, to take off the duties on teas
which were paid in Great Britain, and to levy three pence
142 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
per pound on all that was purchased in America, and also
a duty on paper, glass, and several other articles.
A board of customs was established, and commission-
ers appointed to set in Boston to collect the duties ; and
the custom officers were to be paid from the revenue thus
raised ; and the governor, judges of the superior court,
and other officers in Massachusetts, who had hitherto
been dependant for their salaries on the assembly, /Lo ren-
der them independent of the people, and more devoted to
Great Britain, were also to be paid from these revenues
And to carry the iniquitous system into effect (as unjust
laws can only be enforced by unjust means) the powers ol
the court of admiralty were greatly extended, so as to de
Erive the people of trial by jury in prosecutions for vio-
iting the revenue laws. Writs of assistance, as they
were called, issued by the governor, or any officer of the
revenue, authorized searching the house of the most re-
spectable inhabitant in the province, on suspicion of the
concealment of contraband or smuggled goods.
When intelligence of these new parliamentary regula-
tions reached America, they occasioned universal asto-
nishment, and revived all the excitement and alarm which
prevailed during the stamp act. In the minds of reflect-
ing men, they were regarded as more dangerous than that
obnoxious act, as an indirect and disguised system of tax-
ation had a more certain and fatal tendency to undermine
the liberties, and enslave the people, than direct taxes.
The colonies, assailed by the same injuries, had recourse
to their former measures of complaint and supplication;
but their petitions were not even read, and their remon-
strances treated with contempt, thus adding insult to in-
justice.
These accumulated injuries and indignities aroused the
fears and spirit of the colonies ; and a circular letter, ad-
dressed to the other colonies, by the assembly of Massa-
chusetts, contributed to diffuse the flame, and lead to con-
cert of action. This letter was dated the llth of Febru-
ary, 1768, and the sentiments it contained were reiterated
by most of the colonial assemblies. From the bold and
determined conduct of the assembly of Massachusetts, it
was prorogued by the governor. Another assembly was
THE UNITED STATES. 143
cozened in May following, to which the governor, in his
first communication, insolently demanded of them, as re-
quired by the British secretary of state, to rescind the
resolutions of the preceding assembly, which led to the
circular letter, and intimated, that unless they complied
immediately, they would be dissolved at once.
But the assembly acted with a firmness which became
the defenders of liberty; and, instead of complying with
this haughty mandate, petitioned the king for the removal
of the royal governor, and charged upon him a long cata-
logue of crimes. The governor, exasperated at their
conduct, immediately dissolved the mutinous assembly,
and applied to the commander in chief of the king's
troops, then in New- York, to have several additional re-
giments sent to Boston. Alarmed at these circumstances,
the inhabitants of Boston besought the governor to con-
vene another assembly ; but he treated their request with
contempt.
The crisis required something to be done without de-
lay, and, accordingly, letters were written to every town
in the colony, requesting the appointment of delegates to
meet in convention at Boston, before the arrival of the
troops. Delegates from ninety-six towns met on the 22d
of September. The governor instantly sent them an
angry message, commanding them to disperse, threaten-
ing, in case of refusal, that they would suffer the conse-
quence of their temerity. The convention, however, was
not frightened into submission, but gave their reasons for
convening, continued their deliberations, and prepared a
petition to the king.
On the first of October, the troops arrived, and landed;
and, sword in hand, paraded through the streets of Bos-
ton, which were filled with vast crowds, who, with sullen
silence, denoting the deepest resentment, witnessed this,
the first act in the great and bloody drama about to be
performed. No tumult or resistance, however, ensued,
notwithstanding the troops were quartered in the houses
of the inhabitants. The assembly met in May, 1769, and
immediately adopted several spirited resolutions ; that the
placing an armed force where the legislature was con-
vened, to overawe their deliberations, was a breach of
144 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
privilege, and that the quartering of troops on the inl^i-
tants in time of peace, was illegal, and a violation of the
rights and liberties of British subjects.
A standing army was now stationed in the capital oi
Massachusetts, for the avowed object of coercing the in-
habitants into submission; their commerce fettered, theii
characters traduced, the assembly prevented from meet-
ing, and the petitions of all classes to have the assembly
convened, treated with contempt by an insolent governor,
who threatened to augment the troops, and enforce, at all
hazards, his arbitrary and tyrannical measures, it cannot
be surprising that the fears and exasperations of the peo-
ple exceeded what had ever been witnessed before. At
this alarming conjuncture, something must be done, and
there was no other alternative but submission or resist-
ance, as petitions had been treated with such contempt,
that to memorialize any branch of the British government
would be equivalent to submission ; and there were but
two ways of resistance, either an appeal to the sword, or
an entire suspension of all commercial intercourse with
Great Britain, which, as was said by Mr. Pitt in his
speech, furnished the means whereby Britain had carried
on the war with France, and which, if continued, would
afford the means of their own oppression.
As all the colonies were involved in one common dan-
ger, they readily entered into the most solemn engage-
ments, that no British, or India goods, should be imported,
except a few specified articles of necessary use. The
effects of these arrangements were soon felt in England,
and produced clamours, and even tumults, in some parts
of the kingdom. But the partizans of the crown in Ame-
rica, endeavoured, by their correspondence, to induce the
ministry to persevere in their oppressive measures, and
represented in the strongest 'terms, that the interruption
of commerce was only an effort of desperation, which
could not last long. They advised the ministry to pur-
chase large quantities of goods, designed for the American
market, and also to allow trie merchants engaged in the
American trade, a premium equal to the profits of their
stock in business. " If these measures are adopted,"
said Mr. Oliver, secretary in Massachusetts, in one of his
THE UNITED STATES 145
letters, " the game will soon be up with my country-
men"
The assembly which convened at Boston in May, set
several weeks without doing any business, as they refused
to act as long as an armed force was quartered in the
town, and surrounded the house where they were in ses-
sion ; they were finally adjourned to Cambridge. They
sent several messages to the governor to have the troops
removed, but, after evading the matter for some time, he
declared that he had no authority over the king's troops ;
thus admitting that the military was above the civil power
in the province. Governor Bernard sent a provoking
message, stating the expenditures of quartering the troops
on the town, and requesting that provision be made for
the same, and also for their future support; the assembly
were thus called on to maintain the instruments by which
they were to be oppressed and enslaved.
But instead of complying with this request, they passed
several spirited resolutions, censuring the conduct of the
governor and General Gage, for their rash and oppressive
measures, their wanton violations of the constitution, the
introduction of a standing army in time of peace, and
their encroachments on the liberties of the citizens and of
the province. The governor had received an order to re-
pair to England, and lay before the king the state of the
colony, which he communicated to the assembly, with a
request that his salary might be continued during his ab-
sence, as his office would remain.
But the assembly informed him in decided terms, that
they could not comply with either of his requests. On
receiving this answer, he immediately, after a short, an-
gry, and threatening speech, prorogued the legislature.
He soon after set sail for Europe, then little thinking that
he should never return to a country, that by his violent
temper and arbitrary conduct, he had brought to the brink
of civil war. His reception at court convinced the Ame-
ricans of the truth of what they feared, that the gover-
nor had been sent for as a mischievous emissary, rather
than for an impartial inquiry into the real situation of the
province, or an investigation of his own conduct.
Thomas Hutchinson, the lieutenant-governor was fp
13
146 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
pointed to succeed Governor Bernard. Hutchinson
a native of Boston, and had run a career of popularity ,
whilst, however, he was courting the people at home, he
was not less assiduous in ingratiating himself into the fa-
vour of the British government, by misrepresenting his
countrymen. He was artful and plausible, and possessed
of popular talents ; but was insidious, dark, intriguing
and ambitious ; and the extreme of avarice marked every
feature of his character. His appointment was announ-
ced at the close of the year 1769.
He immediately assumed a more haughty tone, and
aimed at more high handed measures than his predeces-
sor, and commenced his administration by informing the
assembly that he was independent of them and the peo-
ple, as his majesty had made provision for his salary. Se-
cure of the favour of his sovereign, he treated the peo-
ple and the assembly with contempt, and answered their
repeated solicitations to remove the troops from the capi-
tal, by withdrawing the garrison from a strong fortress in
the harbour of Boston, who were in the pay of the pro-
vince, and replacing them by two regiments of the king's
troops.
The ebullitions of popular feeling were so high as to
occasion great alarm with the leading patriots, that it
would break out into acts of violence, which might in-
jure the cause of the people. The miserable minions of
power in America, endeavoured to promote this result,
and openly avowed, " that the only method to restore
tranquillity, was to take off the original incendiaries,
whose writing had instilled the poison of sedition into the
people." James Otis, the most active, bold, and influen-
tial patriot of the day, having published, under his proper
signature, some severe strictures on the conduct of the
officers of the crown, was assaulted in a public room, by
a band of hired ruffians, with swords andbludge-ons, and
being covered with wounds, was left for dead. The as-
sassins made their escape, and took refuge on board the
king's ships in the harbour. Mr. Otis survived, but the .
lamp of his understanding, which had glowed with such
effulgence, was overcast with clouds and darkness. Mr.
Tohn Adams says, that he "laid the foundation of the
THE UNITED STATES. 147
American revolution, with an energy, and with those
masterly talents, which no other man possessed ;" and he
is justly considered as the first martyr to American li-
berty.
The insults which the inhabitants constantly experi
enced from the soldiers, increased their animosity towards
them to such a degree, as to lead to violence and blood-
shed. On the second of March, 1770, an affray took
place between a party of soldiers of the 29th regiment,
and some rope-makers, in front of Mr. Gray's rope-walk.
This was followed by a more alarming outrage on the
5th ; the indignant populace pressed upon and insulted
the soldiers, while under arms, and assailed them with
clubs, sticks, and snow-balls covering stones. Being dared
to fire by the mob, six of the soldiers discharged their
muskets, which killed three of the citizens, and wound-
ed five others.
The effect of this was electric ; the town was instantly
in commotion, and the mass of the people were so exas-
pe^ated, that it required the utmost exertions to prevent
their rallying and driving the British myrmidons out of
town ; and nothing but an assurance that the troops should
be withdrawn, prevented this resort to force. The cap-
tain of the party and eight men were brought to trial ;
two of the men were found guilty ; the captain and the
other men were acquitted. A general meeting of the
inhabitants was immediately assembled in Fanueil Hall,
who unanimously resolved, that no armed force should
be suffered longer to reside in the capital; and a com-
mittee was appointed to wait on the governor, and re-
quest the immediate removal of the troops. The go-
vernor refused to act, under pretence of want of autho-
rity; but Colonel Dalrymple, alarmed at the state of
things, proposed to withdraw the 29th regiment, which
was more culpable than any other ; but he was informed
that not a soldier should be left in town ; he was reluc-
tantly compelled to comply, and within four days not a
Red-coat remained.
This tragical affair produced the deepest impressions
on the minds of the people ; and the anniversary of the
massacre of the 5th of March, 1770, was commemorated
148 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
for many years, and orations delivered, which unfolded
the blessings of civil liberty, the horrors of slavery, the
dangers of standing armies, and the rights of the colonies.
These annual orations administered fuel to the fire of liber-
ty, and kept it burning with an incessant flame, and in nc
small degree promoted the cause of the colonies, in a
manner that served to give a deeper glow to the flame of
liberty. In the spring of 1773, the schooner Gaspee was
stationed at Providence, to prevent smuggling ; and the
conduct of the commander having exasperated the inha-
bitants, two hundred men entered on board the schooner
at night, and compelled the captain and crew to go ashore,
and then set fire to the vessel.
The government offered a reward of five hundred pounds,
for the apprehension of any of the persons engaged in
this outrage ; but such was the spirit and unanimity of the
people, that this pecuniary inducement produced no effect,
and the authors of the outrage could not be discovered.
About this period, the letters of Governor Hutchinson and
Mr. Oliver, to their friends in England, urging the govern-
ment to adopt more decisive and vigorous measures, to
coerce the colonies into submission, were discovered and
sent back to America, by Dr. Franklin, which, being pub-
lished by the assembly of Massachusetts, greatly contri-
buted to inflame the public mind, and exasperate the peo-
ple against these officers of the crown, who were justly
charged with having shamefully betrayed their trust, and
the people, whose rights it was their duty vigilantly to
guard.
Whilst the other duties were repealed, that on tea was
retained, for the sole and avowed object of maintaining
the power, which piarliament had asserted, of collecting a
revenue in America. The ministerial scheme was cun-
ning and artful ; but did not, in the least degree, deceive
the vigilance of the Americans. The object was to cheat
the colonies out of their rights, by collecting an indirect,
imperceptible duty, little more than nominal in amount,
which, however, if acquiesced in, would have been an ad-
mission of the principle or yi s^lit of Britain to raise a reve-
nue in America. It was an attempt to obtain, covertly
and by fraud, what they had attempted, but failed to ob-
tain, openly by force.
THE UNITED STATES. 149
In the first place, measures were adopted, openly and
explicitly, for taxing the colonies, the duties to be paid
directly by the consumer ; but being unable to enforce
this act, it was repealed, accompanied with a declaration
of the right of parliament to tax the Americans, in all
cases whatsoever. This naked assertion of a right, when
the application of it had been attempted and abandoned,
did not give the Americans much concern ; they would
not have cared, if the British had kept that assertion of a
right to do wrong on their statute-book, as long as the
two countries existed, provided they had not attempted to
exercise their assumed right.
But the advocates of American taxation seemed to be
sensible, that the bare assertion of a right, after an unsuc-
cessful attempt to enforce it, would amount to but little,
and that conclusions, obviously following the abandon-
ment of the first attempt to tax the Americans, would be
left in their full force. Under the circumstances in which
the two countries were placed, therefore, the right must
oe enforced, or it must be considered as virtually aban-
doned. But this had been once attempted without suc-
cess ; a more ingenious mode, therefore, must be devised,
or one less likely to give alarm to the colonies. The
stamp duties were a direct tax, as the duty constituted
the entire value of the sum paid ; but a trifling impost
would not. be perceived, as the duty would scarcely make
any sensible difference in the price of the article. The
bitter pill which it was intended to make the 6olonies
swallow, was gilded with sugar.
The duty was more artfully disguised than a single im-
post. It was, in fact, no additional burdefl on the con-
sumers of tea, it being only a different mode of collecting
the duty which had before been paid ; yet this alteration
of the mode involved the right and power of parliament
to establish a revenue system in America. According to
the former regulations, the teas of the India Company
were first brought to England, where a duty was paid be-
fore they were sent to the colonies. The scheme was
merely to change the place and mode ?f collecting the
duty ; it was to be paid in America, instead of England ;
for which purpose custom regulations w"ere established,
150 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
and officers appointed. A duty of three pence on a pound
of tea, would not be felt by the people, and this, or, rather,
a greater duty, had been paid before in England ; so that,
instead of the burdens of the people being increased, they
were rather lightened by this new regulation. So artfully
disguised was this scheme.
It is a maxim with many politicians, and too generally
correct, that the people will not be alarmed or excited by
aily principle, however it may be fraught with danger ;
that they must feel and suffer, before their fears will
arouse them into action. But this maxim did not hold
true with the Americans ; they saw the danger, and re-
solved to resist, at the hazard of their lives, a principle,
calculated to undermine the foundation of their liberty ;
although its operation at the time was not felt in the
slightest degree. The resistance of the Americans to the
scheme of collecting a duty on tea in America, instead of
England, was the resistance of the principle which that
scheme involved, solely ; as no additional burden was
thereby imposed on the people.
It is believed that this is the only instance in history, of
an entire people being roused to resistance, from measures
which were not burdensome or oppressive in their imme-
diate operations, and dangerous only from a principle on
which they were founded. This consideration affords the
highest evidence of the intelligence of the Americans, as
well as of their extreme jealousy and vigilance, in guard-
ing their rights. That the experienced politician should
foresee the ultimate design and tendency of measures,
not immediately oppressive, is natural enough ; but that
the common people, or rather the entire population of a
country, should be aroused to resistance, on account of
measures not burdensome or oppressive, but dangerous
only from the principle on which they were founded, is
unparalleled.
It is not, however, to be supposed, that the colonists
would have been so alarmed and aroused to such a spirit
of resistance, by the new regulations as to tea, had it not
been for *the previous measures of the parent country,
evincing, in the clearest manner, a settled design to exer-
cise the power of taxation over them. They considered
THE UNITED STATES. 151
the new regulations as to tea, as an artful and disguised
revenue system, although it imposed no additional duty,
and they were determined not to be cheated out of their
liberties, as they had before resolved not to be frightened
out of them.
Measures were immediately adopted to prevent the in-
troduction of the tea into the country, so as to avoid the
payment of the duty ; and such was the strength and una-
nimity of public opinion, that without the aid of law, or
rather in opposition to law, they were enabled to render
their measures efficient, solely by the force of public sen-
timent, although measures of all others the most difficult
to enforce, as interfering both with the interests and the
established habits of the people.
In most of the towns from New-Hampshire to Geor-
gia, the people assembled, and resolved to discontinue the
use of tea, which was now regarded as an herb (however
agreeable as a beverage) noxious to the political constitu-
tion. In the large commercial towns, regulations were
adopted to prevent the landing of tea ; committees were
appointed to inspect merchant's books, propose tests, and
make use of other means to defeat the designs of Britain.
Where it could be done, the consignees of the teas were
persuaded or compelled to resign, or to bind themselves not
to act in that capacity. The cargo sent to South Caro-
lina, was stored, the consignees being constrained to en-
ter into an engagement not to offer any for sale ; and in
many of the colonies, the ships were compelled to return
without discharging their cargoes. So vigorously were
these measures enforced, that during one year eighty-five
pounds was the whole amount of duties received.
The teas consumed in the colonies, were principally
smuggled into the country, by the Dutch and French,
who were favoured by the inhabitants in evading the re-
venue laws. During the four or five years that the new
system had been in existence, very trifling quantities of
teas had been introduced into the colonies ; and instead
of the restrictive measures being relaxed as was expected
in England, they increased in vigour and efficacy, and the
quantity of tea introduced had constantly diminished.
As had been the case with other matters of difference
152 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
between the two countries, the principal struggle, grow-
ing out of the regulations as to tea, occurred at Boston.
The other provinces had avoided the alternative which
was reserved for this, of either suffering the teas to be
disposed of, or to destroy them by violent means.
Knowing the spirit of the inhabitants of Boston, the In-
dia Company had been more cautious as to the cargoes
shipped for that port, than those sent to the other provin-
ces : and the zeal of Governor Hutchinson, and the other
officers of the crown there, greatly surpassed that of
the crown officers in the other colonies, and was calcula-
ted to frustrate the measures of the inhabitants. The
tea ships destined to Boston were all consigned to the
sons, cousins, and persons who were the merest tools of
Governor Hutchinson. When called on to resign, the
only answer they would give was, " that it was not in
their power."
As the consignees could not be induced or frightened to
resign, the next plan was, to compel the vessels to return
without landing their detestable cargoes ; but the collect-
or refused to give a clearance without the vessels were
discharged of dutiable articles, and the governor refused
to give a pass for the vessels, until they were properly
qualified from the custom house ; and to guard against
the vessels being taken possession of, and conducted out
of the harbour, the governor ordered Admiral Montague,
who commanded the naval force, to keep a vigilant look
out, and to suffer no vessel, coasters excepted, to pass the
fortress from the town, without a pass signed by himself.
The rigorous adherence to these measures, afforded great
satisfaction to the governor and his minions, and all the
British party ; they flattered themselves that the " Sons
of Liberty," after all their clamour, resolutions, and
schemes to resist the tea system, were outmanaged, and
that it would be impossible for them to prevent the land-
ing and sale of the obnoxious cargoes.
Their measures "had been planned so wisely, and their
execution was intrusted^to agents of such known fidelity
to the crown, and who were under the immediate influ-
ence and control of the governor, they thought there was
not a loop-hole, whereby the rebellious Americans could
THE UNITED STATES. 153T
escape paying the hateful tax. They did not even dream
that an attempt would be made to destroy or throw over-
board the offensive article, which covered a tribute to
Britain ; for if they had, the vessels would have been
guarded. The governor, after all he had witnessed and
experienced, judging rather from his feelings than his
knowledge, was entirely ignorant of public sentiment,
and of the spirit of the people : he had no idea that they
had determined to resist the obnoxious measure, at every
hazard, even that of life. Nothing short of this bold
step could prevent the deep laid scheme against the liber-
ties of the country from succeeding.
It had been rendered impossible that the vessels should
return with their cargoes ; and to suffer the tea to be
landed, and trust to the spirit and unanimity of the inha-
bitants not to purchase it, would have been to yield the
point ; for a small portion of the citizens were in favour
of the British, and would, of course, consume the article,
and by fair means or foul, it would have been distributed
among others. And it would have been equally imprac-
ticable to prevent the tea from being landed ; the most
unwearied watching, day and night, could not prevent
this, as it might be conveyed ashore by small quantities in
the night season, and at such places as to escape the
utmost vigilance. Every other measure had been attempt-
ed without success ; the consignees had been urged to de-
cline the commission, and a numerous public meeting of
the citizens had been held, who presented a remonstrance
to the governor, and urged him to order back the ships
without suffering any part of their cargoes to be landed.
But his answer satisfied them that he was the adviser of
the measure, and determined to carry it into execution.
The parties were at issue on the great question, on which
the liberties of the country hung suspended; whether
Great Britain should exercise the power of taxing the
Americans in any way or not.
This question depended on the landing of a few car-
goes of tea, which had become contaminated with an un-
constitutional tax. The colonists were determined that
they would not pay the tax, and the British party were
determined to carry into effect the tea regulation, and to
154 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
frustrate the plans of the Americans. Both parties had
taken their measures, and the British party were confi-
dent of success ; the contest was advancing to a crisis ;
alarm and dismay prevailed ; the deepest anxiety was de-
picted in every countenance ; had an invading army been
in the neighbourhood threatening to sack the town, or
had the pestilence which walks in darkness ravaged its
pavilions, greater gloom could not overspread the town,
or stronger indications been exhibited, of a pending event
big with the fate of three millions of people.
During this deep and awful suspense, a report was
started, which spread with the rapidity of lightning
through the town, that Admiral Montague was about to
seize the ships, and dispose of their cargoes, at public
auction, within twenty-four hours ; w T hich was believed to
be a cunning device of Hutchinson, as this would as effec-
tually have secured the duties, as if the teas had been sold
at the stores of the consignees. This rumour was like an
electric shock ; leaving their' employments, the people
rushed into the streets, and, with amazed and terrified
countenances, every one seemed to say, what shall we do
to prevent ^the consummation, in so bold and daring a
manner, of this iniquitous scheme.
In a few moments, as from an instinctive impulse, a
vast crowd repaired to one of the most spacious churches
in Boston, and organized themselves into a public meet-
ing. Previously to taking any other step, a message was
sent to the governor and the consignees, who with diffi-
culty could be found, as they were afraid to encounter
even the looks of an indignant and injured people. No
satisfactory answers were returned ; but instead of com-
plying with their wishes, whilst the assembled multitude
were quietly, notwithstanding the excitement which pre-
vailed, consulting on their critical situation, and the mea-
sures proper to be adopted, the sheriff entered with an
order from the governor, styling them an illegal and sedi-
tious assembly, and ordering them immediately to dis-
perse.
But he did not bring with him the posse comitatus, as
the power of the county was already assembled, and it
was that the sheriff was ordered to disperse ; this man-
THE UNITED STATES 155
date was treated with deserved contempt, and the sheriff
hissed out of the house, mortified and chagrined, and a
confused murmur followed, not only in the house, but
among the vast multitude from without ; but soon order
was restored, and the meeting adjourned, without adopt-
ing any vote or resolution. The leaders probably sup-
posed, that such a meeting was not the place to discuss
and devise measures to meet the crisis.
The bold measure was now conceived, and immedi-
ately proposed for execution, which surprised and agitated
the two countries, and hurried on that memorable revo-
lution which made them " enemies in war, and in peace
friends." The success of it, as well as the danger at-
tending it, required secrecy and despatch. It has never
been known with certainty, either who contrived or exe-
cuted this bold expedient ; but there is no reason to doubt,
but that Mr. Samuel Adams, and many of the leaders in
the political affairs of the day, were its contrivers, and it
is known, that the hall of council was in the back room
of Edes and Gill's printing office, at the corner of the
alley leading from Court-street to Brattle-street church
It is a singular circumstance, that the daring and despe-
rate measure, for the maintenance of the liberties of the
country, should have been counselled and contrived in an
editorial closet of a newspaper, which was one of the or-
gans of the public voice, and a vigilant sentinel of the li-
berties of the people. Since this period, many political
schemes have originated in the " back rooms" of print-
ing offices, but in general of a very different character.
In a few hours after the adjournment of the public
meeting, the bold measure, on the success of which the
great question of taxation hung suspended, was contri-
ved, matured, and ripened for execution ; and the public
were surprised with the sudden appearance in the streets,
of a large number of savages, or persons disguised, clad,
and every way counterfeiting the aborigines of the coun-
try : armed with a tomahawk in one hand, and a club
over the shoulder ; who, in a silent and solemn manner,
not a voice being heard, marched in Indian file, through
the streets, amidst a crowd of astonished spectators, who
knew not what to think of so unexpected and strange an
156 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
exhibition ; and its novelty, and the surprise which it oc-
casioned, may have prevented any steps being taken to
oppose their design.
The Indians, whilst strongly attached to tobacco, in
this instance, at least, appear to have had a mortal antipa-
thy to tea ; and, as though attracted by its noxious quali-
ties, they proceeded directly towards the wharves where
he tea ships lay ; boarded them, demanded the keys, and
without the least hesitation or delay, knocked open the
chests, and emptied their contents, duties and all, into the
ocean, comprising several thousand weight of the finest
teas. The deed was done in the face of the world ; and,
although surrounded by the king's ships, no opposition
was made or attempted all was silence and amazement.
Thus the teas, which were designed as a means of ex-
torting tribute from the Americans, became an offering to
the " spirits of the vasty deep," and a sacrifice to the li-
berties of the country. The " Indians," having effected
their object, showed no marks of triumph ; no savage
warwhoop was heard ; nor did they commit any other
violence or disorder, but in the same silent, solemn, and
orderly manner, marched back through the town, follow-
ed by a vast crowd. No movements on the part of the
government, or disturbance by the people, followed this
event ; and it was observed at the time, that the stillest
night succeeded, which Boston had enjoyed for several
months.
No persons assisted the savages in the destruction of
the tea, except some boys or young men, who had assem-
bled on the occasion, and voluntarily took a part in what
\vas going on ; one of these youths collected the tea
which fell into his own shoes, and those of several of bis
companions, put it in a phial, and sealed it up, which is
now in his possession, containing the same obnoxious
tea, which, in this instance, was considered as more dan-
gerous to the political health and constitution of the peo-
ple, even than strong drink. The number of savages,
manufactured for the occasion, has been variously estima-
ted from sixty to eighty ; although several persons have
been mentioned as among the number, none of them have
ever been known with certainty ; there are many and ob-
THE UNITED STATES. 157
nous reasons, why secrecy then, and concealment since,
were necessary. Not any of those who, it has been con-
fidently asserted, were of the party, have admitted the
fact, except some of the boys.
Nearly all of the disguised persons have left this scene
of strife, and their secret has died with them ; and what
few remain, if any, will probably be as prudent as those
who have gone before them, and like them, will suffer
their knowledge to be buried with them, so that the great-
est secret will shortly be beyond the reach of human re-
search. The success of this bold and daring measure,
astonished Governor Hutchinson and the British party,
and seemed to convince him that the " Sons of Liberty"
were not quite so contemptible as he had ijepresented
them in his letters to the ministry ; and it even astonished
the whigs in the other colonies, and contributed to fan the
flames of liberty, and give them a deeper glow, and more
intense heat.
When the intelligence of this event reached England,
accompanied with all the exaggeration and colouring
which Hutchinson could give to it, it produced the ut-
most excitement and indignation with the ministerial
party, and even the opponents of the American revenue
system, could not justify so rash and desperate a measure.
Parliament at once determined to crush the devoted town,
which was the seat and cause of this high-handed resist-
ance to its supremacy. Its omnipotent power, and all the
terrors of its wrath, were to be concentrated and directed
against this rebellious town. A bill w r as immediately in-
troduced to " discontinue the landing and discharging,
landing and shipping, of goods, wares, and merchandise,
at the town of Boston, or within the harbour."
This bill, called the " Boston Port Bill," passed on the
25th of March, 1774, and when it was known, threw the
inhabitants into the utmost consternation. A general
meeting was called, and spirited resolutions adopted, ex-
pressive, in strong terms, of their sense of the oppressive
measure, and they requested all the colonies to unite in an
engagement to discontinue all importations from Great
Britain ; and most of the colonies resolved to make com-
14
158 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
mon cause with Massachusetts, in her opposition to the
unconstitutional measures of parliament.
The first of June, when the port-bill was to go into ope-
ration, was appointed to be kept as a day of fasting and
prayer. This act was soon followed by another, " for the
better regulating government in the province of Massa-
chusetts Bay ;" the object of which was to alter the char-
ter, so as to make the judges and sheriffs dependant on
the king, and removeable at his pleasure. And this act
was soon succeeded by another, which provided, that any
persons indicted for murder, or other capital offence, com-
mitted in aiding the magistrates in enforcing the la\vs,
might be sent by the governor, either to any other colony
or to Great Britain, for his trial.
- The Quebec bill followed in rapid succession, enlarg-
ing the bounds of that province, and conferring many
privileges on the Roman Catholics ; the design of which
was to secure the attachment of that province, and pre-
vent its joining with the colonies in their measures of re-
sistance. These measures, instead of intimidating the co-
lonies into submission, only confirmed their fears of the
settled designs of Great Britain, to deprive them of their
chartered rights, and reduce the colonies to the lowest
state of political degradation and oppression. A sense of
common danger led to an extensive correspondence,
which resulted in the opinion, that it was expedient to
convene a general congress, to consist of deputies from all
the colonies. This congress met at Philadelphia, on the
5th of September, 1774 ; and comprised among its mem-
bers, some of the most distinguished patriots, statesmen,
and orators in this country, or perhaps in any other. Not-
withstanding the ferment which prevailed in most of the
colonies, their proceedings were characterized by cool-
ness, unanimity, and firmness.
They published along and solemn declaration of rights,
as British subjects, and maintained in the strongest terms,
their exemption from taxation by parliament; besides
which, they prepared a petition to the king, which was re-
fused to t>e answered; an address to the people of Great
Britain another to the people of America. These docu-
ments were drawn up with a masterly hand, and exhibited
THE UNITED STATES. 159
great dignity and ability, and were, in every respect,
worthy of the men who had confided to them the liber-
ties of their country, and the destinies of three millions of
their countrymen, threatened with slavery.
The proceedings of congress did not tend to allay pub-
lic feeling, and as the royal agents in Massachusetts seem-
ed determined to push matters to extremities, and reduce
the people to unconditional submission, by arbitrary and
forcible means, every thing now wore the appearance of
civil war. A new council, and new judges, were appoint-
ed by the crown ; and the latter attempted to enter upon
the execution of their offices ; but the juries refused to be
sworn under them ; the people in some counties assem-
bled to prevent their proceedings, and in Berkshire suc-
ceeded in thus setting an example, which was afterwards
followed by Shays' men, in violation of the laws of the
state. About this time, the famous " Tree of Liberty,'*
in Boston, which had been pruned and ornamented with
so much pride and care, " fell a victim to British ven-
geance, or to some individual to whom its shade had be-
come offensive."
Previously to this period, General Gage had succeeded
Hutchinson as governor of Massachusetts ; and, appre-
hending danger from a general muster of the militia, he
caused the magazines and ammunition at Charlestown
and Cambridge, to be removed to Boston, and fortified
the neck of land which joins Boston to the main land, at
Roxbury. These measures occasioned a universal panic ;
delegates from all the towns in the county of Suffolk met,
and spirited resolutions, and a remonstrance to the go-
vernor, were adopted.
The general assembly had been summoned to meet at
Salem ; but, from the turbulence of the times, the governor
issued his proclamation, countermanding their meet-
ing ; yet, in defiance of the governor's mandate, ninety
members met, resolved themselves into a provincial con-
gress, chose Mr. Hancock president, and adjourned to
Concord, nineteen miles from Boston. They fearlessly
proceeded to business; after addressing the governor, and
reiterating their grievances, in the face of British law and
British troops, they proceeded to adopt the first measures
100 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
which were taken, directly and avowedly, preparatory to
an appeal to the sword, in defence of their rights and
liberties. They regulated the militia, made provision for
furnishing the people with arms, and for supplying the
treasury ; and such was the enthusiasm of the people,
that their recommendations had the force of law. Go-
vernor Gage was filled with rage at these daring proceed-
ngs, and issued a proclamation, in which he insinuated
that they amounted to rebellion.
Early in 1775, parliament passed the fishery bills,
which prohibited the colonies from trading in fish with
Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, and from
taking fish on the banks of Newfoundland. These acts
were intended to operate on the town of Boston, which
had become the devoted object of ministerial wrath.
The various statutes which were passed, occasioned deep
and general distress in Boston and its vicinity ; but their
brethren in the other colonies sympathized with them, and
promptly supplied them with provisions of every descrip-
tion for the relief of the sufferers.
This policy of the British government was not only
oppressive, but mean and contemptible. Partial legisla-
tion is always odious and tyrannical; yet it consisted
with the justice and dignity of the British nation ; and
a series of acts were passed, and the power of the nation
exerted, to crush the town of Boston, because it had
shown a more determined spirit of resistance to their
oppressive and unconstitutional measures than had ap-
peared in other places. The ministry were not sensible
that the colonies considered themselves all engaged in a
common cause ; they were in hopes to humble and crush
the rebellious inhabitants of that devoted town, which
they thought would be such a terrific example as would
frighten all the colonies into submission. But their wick-
ed designs recoiled on the heads of their authors ; for
these oppressive measures towards the Bostonians only
served to exasperate the people throughout all the colo-
nies, who regarded them as cruel and detestable.
In March, 1775, the public indignation was greatly ex-
cited by the following base, and most shameful transac-
tions :
THE UNITED STATES. 161
" The people from the country, whose business called
them into Boston, were suspected by the officers of pur-
chasing guns from their soldiers. In order to furnish an
opportunity to inflict punishment, and to raise occasion
for a serious quarrel, Lieutenant Colonel Nesbit, of the
forty-seventh regiment, ordered a soldier to offer a coun-
tryman an old rusty musket. A man from Billerica was
caught by this bait, and purchased the gun for three dol-
lars. The unfortunate man was immediately seized by
Nesbit, and confined in the guard-house all night. Early
next morning they stripped him entirely naked, covered
him over with warm tar, and then with feathers, placed
him on a cart, and conducted him through the streets as
far as liberty tree, where the people began to collect in
vast numbers, and the military, fearing for their safety,
dismissed the man, and retreated to their barracks. The
party consisted of about thirty grenadiers, with fixed
bayonets, twenty drums and fifes playing the rogue's
march, headed by the redoubtable Nesbit with a drawn
sword ! What an honourable deed for a British field offi-
cer, and grenadiers ! The select men of Billerica remon-
strated with General Gage respecting this outrage, but
obtained no satisfaction."
The breach between Britain and the colonies had now
become so wide, as, with the mass of the people, nearly
to exclude all ideas of conciliation ; and both parties be-
gan to make preparations for an appeal to the sword.
No alternative was left the Americans but slavery, or
resistance by force ; measures were adopted for training
the militia to the use of arms, to encourage the manufac-
ture of gunpowder, and for collecting all kinds of milita-
ry stores ; and committees of public safety were appoint-
ed in all the towns in the province. The British go-
vernment sent out a reinforcement of troops to Boston,
and in the mean time, Governor Gage attempted to coun-
teract the designs and measures of the provincials, and
particularly to seize and destroy their military stores, and
thus deprive them of the means of resistance.
To destroy their military stores at Concord, General
Gage despatched, in a secret manner, a regiment of gre-
nadiers, who undertook to disperse, and fired upon a party
14*
162 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
of militia at Lexington, several of whom were killed,
which was the first blood spilt in that memorable war and
revolution, that separated Great Britain and America for-
ever, and gave to the latter, not only a rank amono- the na-
tions of the earth, but what only can exalt a nation Li-
berty and free institutions j which are the durable foun-
dations of its glory and rising prosperity its tranquillity
and happiness, its increasing population and wealth, the
rapidity of which is unexampled in the annals of the
world.
Thus, dear reader, I have given you a summary view
of the causes which led to the American revolution. I
shall commence the revolution by giving you an account
of the battle of Lexington.
On the 18th of April, 1775, Lieut. Colonel Smith and
Major Pitcairn left Boston, with 800 chosen men from <he
British army, for the purpose of destroying the Ameri-
can stores at Concord. On their arrival at Lexingtc n,
they found about seventy militia under arms upon the
green. Major Pitcairn, seeing the Americans on parade,
rode up to them, and exclaimed, disperse, you rebels,
throw down your arms, and disperse. His orders, no
being instantly obeyed, he discharged his own pistol, anc?
ordered his men to fire. His orders were obeyed, and
three of the Americans were killed. The detachment
proceeded to Concord.
The militia of that town had also assembled to oppose,
them, but their number was so small that they retired and
waited for aid from the neighbouring towns. The British
destroyed all the stores that were to be found, and then
began their retreat towards Lexington. But the whole
country was in arms, and pressed upon their rear. The
Americans kept up a continual lire from behind hedges
stone walls, &c. Major Pitcairn, fearing his carcass
would be picked from his horse, dismounted, and led his
division on foot; but his horse and equipments were ta-
ken by the provincials. At sunset, the regulars, over-
come with fatigue, secured their retreat over Charlestown
neck, and found on Bunker's Hill a place of security ana
repose.
The loss of the British, in killed, wounded, and taken
THE UNITED STATES. 163
prisoners, amounted to 273, while the American loss in
killed, wounded, and missing, was only 88.
The battle of Lexington spread like a conflagration,
and aroused the hardy sons of the country to a manful
resistance. The agriculturalist left his plough in the fur-
row, and the mechanic dropped his tools in the shop, and
trie great mass of the people repaired to Boston with such
arms as could be found. Within a few day 3 a large army
was collected, under the command of Generals Wrrd and
/'utiiam. This alarmed General Gage for the safety of
nis garrison. When the tidings of these events reached
ehe south, the population were aroused to the contest with
the same animated zeal which had been displayed at the
north, and the alarm spread far and wide through the
country.
On the 28th of April, 1776, the provincial congress of
Massachusetts issued the following general circular :
" We conjure you, by all that is dear, by all that is sa-
cred, that you give all possible assistance in forming an
army, in defence of the country. Our all is at stake.
Death and destruction are the certain consequences of
delay. Every moment is infinitely precious ; an hour
lost may deluge your country in blood, and entail perpe-
tual slavery upon the few of your posterity that survive
the carnage. We beg and entreat, as you will answer it
to your country, to your consciences, and, above all, as
} ou will answer it to your God, that you will hasten, by
a! possible means, the enlistment of men, to form an
army, and send them forward to head quarters, at Cam-
bridge, with that expedition, which the vast importance
ariu instant urgency of the affairs demand."
This, as might be expected, aroused the energies of the
country, and inspired the people with the most heroic
feelings. The call was promptly obeyed, and the sons of
libei iy enlisted themselves with the greatest alacrity for
the defence of their rights.
The responsibilities which now rested on the fathers of
the revolution were great, and their services important.
They nad to embody and discipline new and inexperi-
enced troops, bring order out of confusion, and to supply
both atms and ammunition, being without funds, and
164 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
almost without authority to resist them. Besides this, ta
army was to be supplied with provisions, in the face of a
formidable, well disciplined, and well furnished enemy
But the zeal and ability of the officers were equal to the
crisis. Of some it is even recorded, that for a succession
of days and nights, they were constantly at the head of
their respective guards, without a change of raiment.
At this critical epoch, General Ward directed Colonel
Ethan Allen to raise four hundred Green Mountain Boys,
on the New-Hampshire grants, since then composing the
state now called Vermont. With this force he was to
surprise the garrisons of the English on Lake Champlain.
The colonel raised two hundred and thirty of the number,
with which force he repaired to Castleton, where he met
one hundred and seventy-two more, by concert with cer-
tain officers of the militia. In this plan, Dean, Wooster,
and Parsons, with others in Connecticut, co-operated,
and sentinels were posted on the different routes to Ti-
conderoga, to intercept intelligence of the intentions of
the Americans.
About this time, Colonel Benedict Arnold, who had
arrived to assist in the enterprise, consented to act in con-
cert with Colonel Allen, and no- unnecessary delay pre-
vented them from moving forward to the object which
they determined to accomplish.
Colonel Allen crossed the lake on the 10th of May,
with a detachment of only eighty-three men, with which
he attacked Fort Ticonderoga early in the morning.
With this small number he rushed into the fort while the
garrison was asleep. Captain Delaplace was ordered to
surrender the garrison instantly, as he would save them
from immediate destruction. The captain inquired by
what authority, to whom Colonel Allen replied, " In the
name of the Great Jehovah, and the continental Con-
gress." The fort was imr icdia^ely surrendered, and the
soldiers paraded without arms. The prisoners consisted
of four officers, forty-four privates, with several women'
and children, who were sent into Connecticut for security.
The fruits of this victory were 120 iron cannon, 50
swivels, more than three tons of balls, two ten inch mor-
tars, and a quantity of shells, flints, gun carriages, powder,
THE UNITED STATES. 165
flour, pork, &c. with two brass cannon, and many other
valuables.
With the remainder of the party, Colonel Seth War-
ner, a native of Connecticut, crossed the lake, and took
the fortress of Crown Poin- y surprise, with more than
one hundred pieces of camion. Colonel Arnold, who
had embarked on the lake in a small schooner, captured
an English armed vessel, and returned to Ticonderoga
with his prize. Thus was a free communication with
Canada secured by the command of the lake.
While the tide of success thus waited on the American
arms in the north, General Gage contemplated an attack
upon the American troops at Roxbury, under the com-
mand of General Thomas. The number of troops at
this place amounted, in all, to but seven hundred militia,
and they were nearly destitute of both arms and ammuni-
tion. What was wanting in force, however, was supplied
by stratagem. The Americans were marched round a
hill in full view of the enemy, and displayed to such ad-
vantage through the day, that the British general was
completely hoaxed, and the attack was not made. Rein-
forcements soon arrived, and the place was saved.
The success which attended the American arms in
their frequent skirmishes with the foraging parties of the
British, among the small islands which abound in Massa-
chusetts Bay, gave them confidence and courage to face
the English forces with confidence and success in more
important undertakings.
On the 25th of the month, the three British generals,
Hu tve, Clinton, and Burgoyne, arrived at Boston. They
were able and experienced, and to them was committed
the task of putting down all opposition, and of bringing
the revolted colonists to a state of absolute and uncondi-
tional submission, during the first campaign.
Two days after this, the provincials, under Putnam and
Warren, defeated a strong force of the enemy on the
islands, and destroyed the vessel, armed and stationed for
their defence. The same success attended their arms on
the 30th, and the British were greatly distressed by a re-
moval of the cattle from the islands, and the communica-
tion with Boston was now closed.
166 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
On the part of the continentals, the sufferings were
severe. The small pox had been communicated from
Boston, and raged in the army to an alarming degree.
Money was exceedingly scarce ; and the whole force,
including officers and soldiers, did not exceed eight thou-
sand. Under all their discouragements, and in their
undisciplined state, nothing could keep them together
ut the most ardent zeal for the cause of their common
country.
A proclamation was issued by General Gage, on the
12th of June, in the king's name, offering a general am-
nesty, excluding only John Hancock and Samuel Adams.
Those who should refuse these gracious offers, or corres-
pond with, or aid and assist the refractory, were denounced
as rebels, and threatened to be treated as such. Martial
law was also declared in the province.
The proclamation was very properly considered as a
public declaration of war, and the precursor of hostile
operations, and the enemy was watched with the utmost
vigilance. Colonel Prescott, with a detachment of one
thousand men, was ordered to fortify Bunker's Hill, in
Charlestown but as the operation was in the night, he
fortified a place which lay contiguous to !', called Breed's
Hill, which was nearer to Boston. The boldness of this
movement both perplexed and astonished General Gage,
who saw that it jeopardized his own safety in Boston.
He determined to dislodge them from this position without
delay ; and, on the 17th, about noon, he detached a train
of artillery, ten companies of grenadiers, and four batta-
lions of infantry, for this purpose.
On this occasion. Major General Howe, and Brigadier
General Pigot, commanded. At Charlestown, a reinforce-
ment was added to their numbers, and the force amount-
ed to three thousand men. This force formed on the
beach, and, marching in battle array, a terrible cannonade
was commenced. The first shock of the battle was firmly
sustained by Colonel Prescott, aided by Colonel Stark of
New-Hampshire, and Captain "Norton, of Connecticut.
The detachment was soon joined by Generals Putnam,
Warren, and Pomeroy, who imparted enthusiasm and
energy to the conflict. Charlestown was wrapped in
flames as the British advanced.
THE UNITED STATES. 167
In imitation of the heroes on the plains of Abraham,
the fire of the Americans was reserved until the English
arrived to within seventy yards. A well directed fire of
musketry was then opened, which spread destruction in
the ranks of the assailants, and kept them in check.
The discharge of the musketry was dreadful, and the
enemy fled in disorder. The chagrin and mortification
of the officers was extreme, and the men were rallied to
another charge. They were again repulsed, cut to
pieces, and put to the rout. At this crisis, General Clin-
ton came up, and, the troops being once more rallied, re-
newed the charge, and the carnage became dreadful.
The time was a critical one. The powder of the provin-
cials was nearly expended, and the cartridge boxes of the
dead were searched, that the fire might be continued,
when their wings were outflanked by the enemy, and the
trenches were exposed to a raking fire from the British
artillery.
A terrible cannonade was now commenced from the
British ships and batteries, and the exertions of the ene-
my were redoubled. The troops were pressed on by
the swords and bayonets in the rear, and the points of
British bayonets were met by clubbed muskets, until
numbers prevailed, and the Americans were compelled
to retire. The retreat was conducted in good order, and
the camp at Cambridge was regained, under a well di-
rected fire from the ships and batteries, which raked them
severely as they crossed over the neck at Charlestown.
Of this battle, it may be said, that in all the records of
British valour, not one action occurred, in which they were
met by a more dauntless courage, or a more obstinate re-
sistance, or in which they obtained a harder victory.
In this battle, the Americans lost 139 killed, 278 wound-
ed, and 36 missing ; in all 453. Among the killed, were
Gen. Warren, Col. Gardner, Lieut. Col. Parker, and Ma-
jors Moore and M'Claney, whose loss to the nation was
severely felt, and shed a gloom over the country.
The British loss, as reported by General Gage, was 226
killed, nineteen of whom were commissioned officers,
and seventy officers wounded. Total loss of the British,
1054.
168 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
The result of the American loss in this battle, is said to
equal that of Wolfe in the capture of Quebec, but in the
loss of officers, it stands as eighteen to thirteen in killed,
and as seventy to sixty-six in wounded. From this some
estimate can be made of the comparative resistance in
the two conflicts.
On the 10th of May, the day on which Col. Allen de-
manded the surrender of Ticonderoga in the name of the
American Congress, that illustrious body assembled in
Philadelphia, and commenced its session. The Hon.
Peyton Randolph was re-appointed President, and Charles
Thompson, Secretary.
In June, by a special resolve, the Congress interdicted
all intercourse with the enemy, and assumed the style of
the Twelve United Colonies, under sanction of which, a
day of fasting was appointed for the 30th of July follow-
ing. On the 15th, General Washington, then a member
from Virginia, was appointed to the responsible station of
Commander in Chief of the American forces. He ac-
cepted the trust with great diffidence. In reply to the
President, after accepting the appointment, he added
" But lest some unlucky event should happen unfavourable
to my reputation, I beg it may be remembered, by every
gentleman in the room, that I this day declare with the
utmost sincerity, I do not think myself equal to the com-
mand I am honoured with.
" As to pay, sir, I beg leave to assure the Congress,
that as no pecuniary consideration could have tempted
me to accept this arduous employment, at the expense of
my domestic ease and happiness, I do not wish to make
any profit from it. I will keep an exact account of my
expenses. Those, I doubt not, they will discharge, and
that is all I desire."
On presenting this special commission to Gen. Wash-
ington, a resolution was unanimously adopted, that " they
would maintain and assist him, and adhere to him, with
their lives and fortunes, in the cause of American liberty."
Immediately after this, was the appointment of four Ma-
jor Generals, Artemas Ward, Charles Lee, Philip Schuy-
ler, and Israel Putnam; and eight Brigadier Generals,
Seth Pomeroy, Richard Montgomery, David Wooster,
THE UNITED STATES. 169
William Heath, Joseph Spencer, John Sullivan, and Na-
thaniel Greene.
On the 2d of July, fifteen days from the date of his
commission, Washington arrived at Head Quarters, in
Cambridge, accompanied by General Lee, and several
other gentlemen. The sentiment felt and expressed
throughout the country was, that "under God, Washing-
ton must be the saviour of his country." What was their
presentiment, is now historically recorded.
General Washington entered on the duties of his new
office, under the most discouraging circumstances. He
was, indeed, at the head of 14,000 men, but without dis-
cipline, without order, and nearly destitute of military
stores, and of most of the conveniences necessary to the
well being of an army. New efforts and new energies
became necessary, and they were applied with effect.
At this time, General Howe commanded the main body
of the British army, which was posted on Bunker's Hill.
Another division was securely stationed near Roxbury.
The fleet covered the reserve and Boston.
The main body of the American army was posted at
Cambridge, under the guardianship of the commander-
in-chief. The right rested on Roxbury, under General
Ward, and the left was securely posted on Prospect Hill,
under General Lee. About 3000 men filled the interme-
diate spaces, under the command of General Putnam and
others. The American army, thus posted, held a con-
trolling power, which left the British in a state of siege,
or at least of a land blockade.
On the 14th and 22d of June, Congress ordered a bat-
talion of riflemen to be raised in Virginia and Pennsylva-
nia, and such was the spirit of patriotism in these states,
that on the 7th of August, they were raised, accoutred,
and embodied with the army, without drawing on the
public treasury for a single cent.
At this time, the wants of the army were truly embar-
rassing, and exposed the Americans to great danger, in
the event of an attack, which was anticipated. Among
the most important, were the want of ammunition and
bayonets. Camp equipage and engineers were in great
request, and the disaffection of officers, occasioned by
15
170 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
certain appointments of Congress, were truly distressing.
Added to this, that many of the troops were to be dis-
banded in November, and the longest term of service
would close with the year. But the zeal, which was the
fruit of a righteous cause, prevailed, and they were ena-
bled to conquer their difficulties. Had the enemy known
their vulnerable points, the result might have been very
different.
The American force had lately been augmented by a re-
inforcement of 8000 men ; and the commander-in-chief of
course called a council to settle on a plan of operations
for the summer campaign. This council determined on
a blockade, as the want of ammunition precluded the idea
of an assault on the town. Of the British force, it had
been well ascertained, that since the"19th of April, 2500 of
the army had, by various means, been lost, and it was
thought that before the recruits should arrive in the spring,
the army would be much weakened.
About this time, an invitation was sent to New-York*
by General Gage, to enlist, as volunteers, the foreign sea-
men who might be there. In October, Falmouth, in
Massachusetts, was burnt by order of the English govern-
ment, which directed that the towns on the sea-coast
should be laid waste for the sin of rebellion. But the
step was as impolitic as it was inhuman. The flames of
Falmouth, like those of Charlestown, roused the spirit of
the colonies afresh, and called forth more union and great-
er exertions. Frigates and privateers were fitted for sea,
and commissioned against the commerce of the enemy,
and two battalions of marines were raised for that ser-
vice. Cruisers were sent out, to intercept supplies, for the
British^ a spirit of adventure was raised, and success at-
tended it. Captain Manley, of the privateer Lee, took a
rich store-ship, laden with supplies for the army in Bos-
ton, which encouraged the Americans, in proportion as it
disheartened and distressed the enemy, for whose use the
supplies were much needed.
On hearing tidings of the battle at Lexington, the spi-
rit of South Carolina awakened to the situation of the
nation. Her provincial congress was convened, and the
following covenant was passed by an unanimous resolu-
tion :
THE UNITED STATES. 171
" Thoroughly convinced, that under our present dis-
tressed circumstances, we shall be justified before God
and man, in resisting force by force : We do unite our-
selves, under every tie of religion and honour, and asso-
ciate as a band of brothers, in defence of our injured
country, against every foe ; hereby solemnly engaging,
that whenever our continental or provincial councils shall
decree it necessary, we will go forth and be ready to sa-
crifice our lives and fortunes to secure her defence and
safety. This covenant to continue in force, until a re-
conciliation shall take place between Great Britain and
America, upon constitutional principles ; an event which
we most heartily desire. And we will hold those persons
criminal to the liberty of these colonies, who shall refuse
to subscribe to this association."
The result of this resolution was such as might be ex-
pected. Two regiments of infantry, and one of rangers,
was raised for common defence, and the language of the
day was in unison with that of the other colonies, nearer
the seat of danger. Having organized their affairs with
a view to the situation of the country, they adjourned.
But we must here remark, that South Carolina was not.
alone in the spirit of resistance. The king's governors
were removed from office in the neighbouring colonies,
and the people assumed the responsibility of self-govern-
ment. Committees of safety were appointed, and means
taken to attend to their own business in their own way.
The efforts of the colonies, generally, were directed to
the supplies wanted by the army near Boston. Powder
was purchased in foreign ports some was obtained .from
Bermuda, and about three and a half tons was received
by General Washington from the British forts on the
coasr of Africa. The colonies, also, set about the manu-
facture of this article.
Intelligence was received at head quarters, that the Ca-
nadians had received the addresses from Congress in a
favourable manner, and that they would not act against
the colonies. An expedition was sent out for Quebec, on
the 19th of September, consisting of one thousand men,
under Col. Arnold, by way of Kennebec. He arrived at
his place of destination on the 9th of November, after
172 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
traversing a pathless wilderness, and encountering the
greatest hardships and privations.
About the same time, General Montgomery entered Ca-
nada by way of Lake Champlain, in company with Gene-
ral Schuyler. He laid siege to St. John's, on the 8th of
October. Sir Guy Carleton, governor of Canada, with
eight hundred men, went to the relief of the place, but
the Green Mountain Boys, under Colonel Warner, de-
feated him. Chamblee was surprised and taken, with six
tons of powder, by Brown and Livingston, which was
used to reduce St. John's, which surrendered on the 2d
of November, and the garrison was made prisoners.
During the siege, Col. Allen invested Montreal, but was
defeated, taken prisoner, and sent to England in irons, to
be tried for treason.
General Montgomery entered Montreal in triumph, on
the 12th of November, and but five days afterwards, ele-
ven sail of vessels, General Prescott, several other offi-
cers, and one hundred and twenty privates, a large supply
of Hour, beef, butter, &c. cannon, small arms, and mi-
litary stores, were taken. All of these were useful in
the prosecution of the war. In the night, Governor
Carleton escaped in a canoe, with muffled paddles, and
shaped his course for Quebec, where he arrived in safety.
On the first of December, General Montgomery form-
ed a junction with Col. Arnold, before Quebec, and ope-
rations to carry it by storm were commenced on the fifth.
The garrison of this second Gibraltar, consisted of fif-
teen hundred men, under command of the governor.
Trenches were opened in the depth of a Canadian winter,
and the siege was commenced. A council of war was
now called, which acceded to the views of the general,
and were nearly unanimous in resolving to take the city
by assault.
Arrangements were made, and on the morning of thg
31st, the signal was given for the attack, by a discharge
of rockets. The soldiers advanced with firmness, but
the rockets had given warning, and the garrison were pre-
pared to receive them. The first division, commanded by
General Montgomery, attempted to enter the lower town
by the margin of the river. The first battery was car-
THE UNITED STATES. 173
ried, and the guard dispersed. The discharge of a single
gun from the abandoned battery, killed General Montgo-
mery, Captains Macpherson and Cheesman, with several
others ; and the troops being appalled, retired, and the
enterprise was abandoned. The second division was
commanded by Colonel Arnold, who entered the lower
town, on the opposite side of the city.
A solitary field-piece, mounted on a sled, commanded
by Captain Lamb, next entered, and the main body
brought up the rear. Colonel Arnold was wounded by a
musket ball in the leg, at the head of the brave band,
while forcing the first barrier. The bone was fractured,
and he retired from the combat. Colonel Morgan now
took the command, carried the first barrier by storm, and
assaulted the second, with a prospect of success, not
knowing the fate of General Montgomery.
Majors Bigelow and Meigs now came up with about
two hundred men. The second barrier was charged,
amidst a shower of musketry, and the barrier was mount-
ed. But to their astonishment, a forest of bristly bayo-
nets forbade their entering. On the advance, death
was certain, and the danger of a retreat was great.
They retired into adjacent buildings, and defended them-
selves until overpowered by numbers, wheji they were
compelled to surrender. The general was killed, about
four hundred men killed and wounded, and, after all their
labours and privations, the daring enterprise entirely fail-
ed. The loss of General Montgomery was severely felt
by the nation, and congress voted to erect a monument to
his memory, which was accordingly done, and may be
seen in St. Paul's Church, New-York.
CHAPTER VII.
Revolution continued.
IN October, 1775, Gen. Gage was succeeded by General
Howe, in command of the British troops at Boston, which
had been blockaded through the winter by the army under
15*
174 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
Washington. Congress being desirous to support the
views of the commander-in-chief, resolved, " That if Ge-
neral Washington, and his council of war, shall be of
opinion, that a successful attack may be made upon the
troops in Boston, he should make it in any manner he
might think expedient, notwithstanding the town, and
property in it, might be destroyed."
In the reply of the general, he thus speaks : " It is
not in the pages of history to furnish a case like ours. To
maintain a post within musket shot of the enemy, for six
months together, without ammunition, and at the same
time to disband one army, and recruit another, within
that distance of twenty odd British regiments, is more
than probably ever was attempted; but if we succeed in
the latter, as we have done in the former, I shall think it
one of the most fortunate events of my whole life." ,
That we may be able to judge of the means at this time
possessed by Washington, for offensive operations, it is
merely necessary to observe, that his whole force consist-
ed of less than nine thousand men, two thousand of whom
were utterly destitute of arms. The general pressed
congress to raise a regular army for a stipulated time, as
a safe project on which the country might securely rely.
The propriety of this step was seen by congress, and, on
the first of March, the army numbered fourteen thousand,
and was soon reinforced by six thousand of the militia,
amounting, in all, to twenty thousand. His operations
now commenced in good earnest. The detachment at
Roxbury was ordered to take possession of Dorchestei
Heights, while the commander-in-chief was to cover this
motion by a bombardment of the town. On the night of
the fourth of March this was accomplished, and works
thrown up which would secure them from the guns of the
enemy.
The light of day opened the eyes -of the commanding
general to the danger of his situation. One of two things
must be done, and that immediately. Either the Ameri-
can troops must be dislodged, or Boston must be evacu-
ated. The English admiral saw that the fleet was at the
mercy of the provincials, and the general determined to
attempt a dislodgement. Three thousand men were de-
THE UNITED STATES. 175
tached for the service, and Lord Percy, who was to com-
mand the expedition, actually embarked for the execution
of the project. He was, however, providentially prevent-
ed from the attempt, by the roughness of the weather. In
expectation of this, however, Washington had made pre-
parations to attack Boston the moment the British general
should commence a hostile step in this quarter.
Gen. Howe, finding himself very unpleasantly situated,
sent a flag of truce to the American head-quarters, noti-
fying General Washington of his intention to evacuate
Boston, but threatened to destroy the town, in case he
should be molested. On the 16th, at night, the British
troops embarked, and the next day sailed for Nantasket
Roads, and, in a few days, the whole fleet set sail for
Halifax. Immediately after the evacuation of the Eng-
lish army, Washington entered the town, and spread joy
through the colonies.
The joy of the inhabitants was excessive, and the gene-
ral was received with every demonstration of gratitude.
They were now relieved from the abuses of an insolent
soldiery, and from the distresses occasioned by hunger.
A resolution was passed in congress, expressing the
thanks of the nation, and a gold medal was ordered to
be struck, with an appropriate device, commemorating
the event, which should be presented to the commander-
in-chief.
In the mean time, the royal governors at the south
were not idle. Lord Dunmore, of Virginia, endeavoured
to counterwork the revolution. But he was compelled
by the patriots of that state to relinquish the attempt, and
to go on board the fleet for safety. Chagrined at his de-
feat, he determined to avenge the affront, and, on the night
of the first of January, 1776, he caused fire to be set to
Norfolk, which was destroyed. These depredations were
continued until they disgusted the most loyal of his party,
when he departed with his booty of about one thousand
negroes, for Florida and the Bermudas. In North Caro-
lina, the governor attempted the same play, but his plot
was defeated, and the insurrection was suppressed by the
patriotism and intelligence of the people.
About the middle of February, the American navy,
1 76 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
under Commodore Hopkins, set sail from Cape Henlopen,
and soon surprised and dismantled a fort in New-Provi-
dence, taking off forty pieces of iron ordnance, and fif-
teen brass mortars. The governor, lieutenant governor,
and one counsellor, fell into the power of the Commo-
dore. In the fore part of March, the fleet captured a
British schooner, and, the next day, took a bomb brig,
laden with arms and military stores. On the day prece-
ding, the fleet engaged a sloop of war carrying 20 guns,
but night separated them, and the next day the sloop
escaped into Newport.
When the intelligence of the two first battles between
the British and the colonists reached Great Britain, with
the information that General Washington was appointed
commander-in-chief, the impressions on the people and
the government were very serious. The king and the
ministry, however, determined to carry on the war. On
the 26th of October the parliament was convened, and
the speech of the king evidently supported the unnatural
controversy. In both houses the opposition was strong,
but the ministry prevailed, and the supplies were granted.
Sir Peter Parker, and Earl Cornwallis, sailed from Ports-
mouth in December, for Ireland, with the ships Acteon
and Thunderbomb, as a convoy for the transports, with
four thousand troops, intended for service in the colonies.
In this fleet came Colonel Allen, who had been confined
in Pendinnis Castle, Cornwall, and treated with much
severity. A subscription was opened for him, and his
companions, in Ireland, which was the first humane atten-
tion he had received since his imprisonment.
About this time, the bargain with the King of England,
for 17,000 men to be employed in this war, by the Prince
of Hesse Cassel, the Duke of Brunswick, and other
German princes, was sanctioned in parliament, by a vote
of 242 to 88. In the spring of 1776, two divisions of
these mercenaries sailed to America. The estimate for
the service against the liberties of America, amounted to
60,000 men.
The Cork fleet* under the convoy of Admiral Parker,
arrived in Cape Fear River on the 3d of May, where
they were joined by General Clinton, from the northern
THE UNITED STATES. 177
army. On the 5th, the offer of pardon, on certain con-
ditions, was published by the general, but, finding his
efforts to stem the tide of popular feeling of little avail,
the fleet sailed for Charleston, S. C., and anchored off
Sullivan's Island about the first of June. The siege of
Charleston was opened by the offer of pardon, as in
North Carolina, and with equal effect. The day of pro-
clamations and smooth words had come too late.
Governor Rutledge had prepared for a vigorous de-
fence, and the militia cheerfully rallied around the flag of
their country. At this critical moment General Lee ap-
peared at the head of some northern regiments, and took
the command of Charleston. The enemy crossed the
bar on the 26th of June, with a number of ships and fri-
gates, and operations were commenced with little delay.
The fire from the American fort and batteries, however,
was too galling, and the squadron was compelled to with-
draw, after the loss of one fifty gun ship, and a damage
to others, which rendered them for the present useless.
One may form an estimate of the contest, by learning the
fact that 7000 loose balls were picked up on Sullivan'
Island after the battle.
The garrison in the fort consisted of about three hun-
dred and seventy-five regulars, and a few militia, com-
manded by Colonel Moultrie. The fortification mounted
but twenty-six nine pounders, and the British had two
ship's of fifty guns each, four frigates of twenty-eight
guns each, and some smaller vessels.
This severe repulse obtained a respite from the cala-
mities of war, for more than two years, in the southern
states.
Of those who deserve an honourable notice in this ac-
tion, Sergeant Jasper must not be forgotten. During the
heat of the engagement, the flag-staff was shot away, and
fell into the ditch. The inhabitants of Charleston consi-
dered this as a token of submission. When the intrepid
sergeant discovered it, he jumped into the ditch, seized
the flug, secured it to a sponge-staff, and erected it again
in the heat of the action. For this act of bravery, the
< -vernor, the next day, presented him a sword.
of this battle led to the declaration of inde-
178 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
pendence. It had blown the spark of liberty into a steady
flame, and prepared the minds of the people for an event
to which many looked with the deepest solicitude. The
spirit which lived in congress, was united by instructions
from the colonies, and the country now seemed ripe for
entire separation from the mother country. A resolution
was moved in congress by Richard Henry Lee, and se-
conded by John Adams, in the following words, wfflteh
passed unanimously.
" Resolved, that these United Colonies are, and of right
ought to be, free and independent states ; and that all po-
litical connexion between them and Great Britain is, and
ought to be, dissolved."
In defence of this motion, Mr. Lee addressed the house
in a very animated strain, which he closed in the follow-
ing language : " Why then do we longer delay why
still deliberate ? Let this happy day give birth to the
American republic. Let her arise, not to devastate and
conquer, but to re-establish the reign of peace, and of the
laws. The eyes of Europe are. fixed upon us ; she de-
mands of us a living example of freedom, that may con-
trast, by the felicity of the citizens, with the ever increas-
ing tyranny which desolates her polluted shores. She
invites us to prepare an asylum, where the unhappy may
find solace, and the persecuted repose. She entreats us
to cultivate a propitious soil, where that generous plant,
which first sprang up and grew in England, but is now
withered by the poisonous blasts of Scottish tyranny,
may revive and flourish, sheltering, under its salubrious
and interminable shade, all the unfortunate of the human
race.
" This is the end presaged by so many omens, by our
first victories, by the present ardour and union, by the
flight of Howe, and the pestilence which broke out
amongst Dunmore's people, by the very winds which baf-
fled the enemy's fleets and transports, and that terrible
tempest which ingulfed seven hundred vessels upon the
coast of Newfoundland. If we are not this day wanting
in our duty to our country, the names of the American
legislators will be placed, by posterity, at the side of
those of Theseus, of Lycurgus, of Romulus, of Numa,
THE UNITED STATES. 179
of the three Williams of Nassau, and of all those whose
memory has been, and will be, for ever dear to virtuous
men, and good citizens."
The members of congress from Pennsylvania and Ma-
ryland, were not present, and the deliberations on the
subject were postponed to the first of July. On that day
the discussion was renewed, and, on the fourth of July,
1776, the report of the special committee was adopted,
dissolving the allegiance of the colonies to the British
crown, and declaring them free and independent^ under
the style of the Thirteen United States of America.
The committee who drafted this instrument, consisted of
Messrs. Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Benjamin Frank-
lin, Roger Sherman, and Philip Livingston.
This declaration was signed by all the members of con-
gress, whose names, and the states to which they respec-
tively belonged, were as follows :
John Hancock, President, from Massachusetts.
NEW-HAMPSHIRE. William Paca,
Josiah Bartlett, Thomas Stone,
William Whipple, Charles Carroll of Carrollton.
Matthew Thornton. VIRGINIA.
MASSACHUSETTS. George Wythe,
Samuel Adams, Richard Henry Lee,
John Adams, Thomas Jefferson,
Robert Treat Paine, Benjamin Harrison,
Elbridge Gerry. Thomas Nelson, Jr.
RHODE ISLAND. Francis Lightfoot Lee,
Stephen Hopkins, Carter Braxton.
William Ellery. NEW-YORK.
CONNECTICUT. William Floyd,
Roger Sherman, Philip Livingston,
Samuel Huntington, Francis Lewis,
William Williams, Lewis Morris.
Oliver Wolcott. NEW-JERSEY.
DELAWARE. Richard Stockton,
Caesar Rodney, John Witherspoon,
George Read. Francis Hopkinson,
MARYLAND. John Hart,
Samuel Chase, Abrahams lark.
180 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
PENNSYLVANIA. Joseph HeW6S,
Robert Morris, John Penn.
Benjamin Rush, SOUTH CAROLINA.
Benjamin Franklin, Edward Rutledge,
John Morton, Thomas Hay ward, Jr.
George Clymer, Thomas Lynch, Jr.
James Smith, Arthur Middleton.
George Taylor, GEORGIA.
James Wilson, Button Gwinnett,
George Ross. Lyman Hall,
NORTH CAROLINA. George Walton.
William Hooper,
This declaration was received by the people with trans-
ports of joy. Public rejoicings took place in various
parts of the Union. In New- York, the statue of George
III. was taken down, and the lead, of which it was coin-
posed, was converted into musket-balls. In Boston, the
garrison was drawn up in King's-street, which, from that
moment, took the name of State-street, and thirteen sa-
lutes, by thirteen detachments, into which the troops
were formed, were fired ; the bells of the town were
rung, in token of felicitation, and the evening concluded
with the tearing in pieces and burning the ensigns of roy-
alty lions, sceptres, and crowns.
CHAPTER VIII.
Revolution continued. Capture of New-York.
ON the evacuation of Boston by General Howe, Wash-
ington suspected that the possession of New- York would
be a favourite object. To prevent this, if possible, he
determined to make that city his head-quarters, and thus
to prevent its occupation by the British general. He ac-
cordingly soon removed to that city, with the principal
part of his army.
On the 28th of June, General Howe arrived at Sandy-
Hook, near New- York, with his armament from Halifax,
where he was joined by his brother, Lord Howe, on the
THE UNITED STATES. 181
I2th of July, with another armament. By the latter ar-
rival, the two brothers were clothed with powers to treat
with the United States, collectively or separately. A
flag was despatched to Amboy, to announce his commis-
sion. This circular was communicated to Congress by
General Washington.
The American army at New-York amounted to little
more than seventeen thousand men, apart of which force
was encamped at Brooklyn, on Long Island. The com-
bined forces of the British amounted to twenty-four thou-
sand, which weie landed near the Narrows, nine miles
from the city, on the 2d of August. On the 27th, the
British forces, under Sir Henry Clinton, Percy, and
Cornwallis, attacked the American camp at Long-Island,
which was defended by Brigadier-General Sullivan,
who was defeated, with the loss of more than a thousand
men, while the loss of the British was less than four
hundred. Brigadier-Generals Lord Stirling and Wood-
hull fell into the hands of the English. General Wash-
ington perceived with anguish, what would be the result
of the battle, but he dare not draw off more troops from
the city, as he would not even by that measure, be able
to cope with the British. On both sides, this battle was
expected. On the 22d, the British effected a landing at
Utrecht, near the Narrows, under cover of the ships, and
every preparation was made to meet them manfully.
Colonel Hand was ordered to the high ground, in order to
protect the pass leading to Flatbush. Lord Cornwallis
was ordered to secure this pass, if it could be done with-
out an engagement. He halted at the village, finding that
the pass was secured by the Americans. On this occasion,
Washington issued the following orders :
" The enemy have now landed upon Long Island, the
hour is fast approaching in which the honour and success
of this army, and the safety of our bleeding country, de-
pend. Remember, officers and soldiers, that you are free-
men, fighting for the blessing of liberty ; that slavery will
be your portion, and that of your posterity, if you do not
acquit yourselves like men. Remember how your courage
has been despised and traduced by your cruel invaders,
though they have found by dear experience at Boston,
16
182 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
Charlestown, and other places, what a few brave men can
do in their own land, and in the best of causes, against
hirelings and mercenaries. Be cool, be determined. Do
not fire at a distance, but wait for orders from your officers."
Preparations were now made for a pitched battle. The
American camp was strengthened by six additional regi-
ments, and all things put in readiness for an immediate
ttack. The result of the battle has already been related.
It left the American camp in the power of the British,
who might easily have taken it by an assault, which
was threatened.
On the night of the 28th, the British invested the camp
in due form. General Washington spent the next day
in camp, and on the night of the 29th, effected a most
masterly retreat to New- York, under cover of a dense fog.
The rear guard only was discovered by the British, and
too much advanced to be affected by the shot.
On the 2d of September, two regiments of Americans
evacuated Governor's Island, near New-York, with their
arms and stores, within a quarter of a mile of the British
fleet, with the loss of only an arm bv one man.
This was indeed an eventful crisis* The fate of America
appeared suspended on the issue of a single battle. The
reverses experienced wrought upon the feelings of the
soldiers. The militia deserted their colours, and abandon-
ed their general. Sickness and desertion reduced the
army, and dispirited the officers. Those whose term of
service had expired, left the duties of the camp, and re-
turned to their homes, and a gloom was gathering over
the just risen hopes of America. Washington passed two
days and nights without sleep or rest, principally on horse-
back, superintending every movement, and watching every
event.
On the contrary, the late success elated the British in
proportion to the despondency' of the Americans. The
movements of the British threatened lo cut off the retreat
of the continentals. General Washington was led to
abandon his unsafe position in the city, and after some
successful skirmishes retired to White Plains, in West
Chester County, about thirty miles from New-York.
The enemy landed, and took possession of the city, a
THE UNITED STATES. 183
the Americans retreated. A garrison was left at Fort
Washington; about ten miles from the city, on the Island.
General Howe, being reinforced by a division or two
of Germans, marched towards the American army, en-
camped at White Plains. On the 28th of October, a
general skirmish commenced between the advanced par-
ties. On the 29th, the general moved in columns to the
support of his van, and to bring on a general engage-
ment. General Washington kept him at bay until the
3 1st, when he retired to higher ground, and left a strong
rear guard to cover White Plains. The British now aban-
doned the enterprise, and on the 8th of November drew
off his army towards Kingsbridge. On the 15th, he sent
a summons to Colonel Magraw, commanding Fort Wash-
ington, and the next day stormed the fort, and put the
garrison to the sword.
General Washington beheld the awful scene, and wept
with the feelings of a compassionate father. The shock
was felt with the keenest sensibility throughout the Ame-
rican army, and even General Lee wept with indignation
at the news of the merciless butchery, and cursed the
unrelenting foe.
On the 18th, Lord Cornwallis moved to the attack of
Fort Lee ; but General Greene drew off the garrison,
abandoned the fort, and joined General Washington. On
the 22d, General Washington crossed North River, and
retired to Newark, where he found himself almost aban-
doned by the army, and left to the mercy of a victorious,
pursuing enemy, with only about three thousand five hun-
dred men to accompany him in his flight. On the 28th,
General Washington retired to Brunswick, and Lord
Cornwallis entered Newark with his victorious army.
His lordship pursued to Brunswick, and General Wash
ington retired to Princeton, December 1st. Lord Corn
wallis halted one whole week at Brunswick, agreeable to
orders : and, in, the mean time, General Washington saw
himself abandoned by the Jersey and Maryland brigades
of militia, whose terms of service then expired.
On the 7th, his lordship pursued to Princeton, and
General Washington retired to Trenton. The next day
his lordship entered Trenton, just at the critical moment
184 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
that General Washington, with his remnant of an army,
had crossed the Delaware,* and secured the boats to pre-
vent his passing,! December 8th, 1770.
General Howe had joined Lord Cornwallis at Newark,
and now made a s'tand at Princeton, and issued the pro-
clamation of the king's commissioners, proffering pardon
and peace to all such as should submit in sixty days.
Such were the distresses of the army, and the country,
when they saw their liberties about to expire under the
pressure of an overwhelming foe, that men of the first
distinction, in great numbers, in that, part of the country,
embraced the overture, and made their submission.
To add to the distresses of this most trying scene, Ge-
neral Lee, who had harassed the rear of the British army,
with about three thousand men, was now surprised in his
quarters, and taken by the enemy, December 13th. The
troops of General Lee, now under the command of Gene-
ral Sullivan, joined General Washington.
During the delay of General Howe at Trenton, Gene-
ral Washington, with the assistance of General Mifflin,
collected a body of Pennsylvania militia, and resolved to
make a stand, to recover, if possible, the spirits of the
army and nation. *
On the night of the 25th, General Washington, under
cover of a violent snow storm, recrossed the Delaware,
commenced an attack upon the British army, and gained a
signal victory ; took about one thousand prisoners, inclu-
ding an entire regiment of Germans, with their whole en-
campment, and secured his position at Trenton.
The enemy soon recovered their shock by large rein-
forcements, and General Washington retired to Prince-
ton by a circuitous march, triumphed over the enemy
again, and pursued them to Brunswick. Lord Cornwal-
lis collected all his forces at Brunswick, and made a stand.
General Washington took up his position at Morristown,
and watched the motions of the enemy.
During these operations in New-Jersey, the British
* General Washington could muster only two thousand two hundred
men at this time.
t The same day General Prescott, with a strong- British force, took
possession of Newport, (Rhode Island.)
THE UNITED STATES. 185
army had thrown up the rein, and given full scope to the
brutal passions. This roused the indignation of the peo-
ple, and rekindled the fire of Lexington, which spread
like lightning through the country. New-Jersey then
exhibited a scene which was considered but the miniature
of what the nation would exhibit should Britain prevail.
Husbands saw the fate of their wives ; parents of their
daughters ; and the nation became most seriously alarmed
for their safety, and more immediately alive to the inte-
rest of the common cause. New-Jersey felt the wound
she had received, and roused to the combat, to avenge
her wrongs upon the brutal foe.
General Washington surprised Lord Cornwallis at Eliza-
bethtown, and he retired to Amboy, where he was
closely invested through the winter. In June following,
General Howe drew off his army to Staten Island, and
the Jerseys were cleared.
In April, General Howe detached Governor Tryon,
with the command of a major-general of provincials, at
the head of about two thousand men, to destroy the Ame-
rican stores at Danbury. The general executed this com-
mission, and destroyed one thousand eight hundred bar-
rels of beef, two thousand bushels of wheat, eight hun-
dred barrels of flour, one thousand seven hundred tents,
one hundred hogsheads of rum, &.c. with the loss of
about four hundred men, killed, wounded, and taken by
the Americans.
But this expedition cost the British a severe loss.
Three generals were in the neighbourhood, Wooster,
Arnold, and Sullivan. About six hundred militia were
collected in great haste, and followed in pursuit about two
miles, during a heavy rain. The next morning the troops
were divided. 'Wooster fell in the rear of the enemy,
while Arnold was posted' at Ridgefield, in their front.
W ooster attacked the enemy, and was mortally wounded
in the contest ; the troops had to retreat. Arnold gave
them a severe reception at Ridgefield, and was repulsed,
but renewed the attack during the next day.
The yeomanry of the country through which they pas-
sed towards the Sound, constantly annoyed them, and
they made a precipitate retreat to their ships, which con-
16*
186 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
veyed them to New-York. They lost, in killed, wound-
ed, and missing, about one hundred and seventy ; while
the loss of the Americans did not exceed one hundred.
General Wooster lingered until the 2d of May, and ex-
pired in his seventieth year. A monument was voted to
his memory by Congress, and a horse, splendidly capari-
soned, was presented to Arnold, as a token of respect for
his intrepidity and good conduct.
CHAPTER IX.
Evacuation of Canada Capture of Burgoyne, and fall
of Philadelphia.
WE must now return to the affairs in the north. Ge-
neral Montgomery fell at Quebec, and the command de-
volved on Colonel Arnold, who had been badly wounded.
But he was removed to Montreal, and was succeeded by
General Thomas. He soon died, and General Sullivan
was appointed in his place. The small pox, with other
diseases, reduced the number of men to four hundred.
The siege was raised, and this handful of men was com-
pelled to retreat for Montreal.
A reinforcement had arrived from England, and the
army in Canada was now thirteen thousand strong. With
this force Governor Carleton, with Generals Burgoyne,
Frazer, Phillips, and Reicfesel, advanced in different di-
visions, in pursuit of Sullivan. General Frazer took
post at Trois Rivieres, when the Americans attempted a
surprise, but it miscarried, and General Thompson was
left in the hands of the English. Carleton pursued with
his whole force, but the retreat of Sullivan was secured,
and he reached the River Sorel in safety, where he was met
by Arnold from Montreal. The troops, baggage, and
cannon, were embarked, and they made a stand at Crown
Point, on the 15th of June, 1776.
In the fore part of July, General Sullivan left the com-
mand of the northern army, and was succeeded by Gene-
ral Gates. The army was diminished more than 5000,
THE UNITED STATES. 187
and the ravages of the small pox were dreadfully alarm-
ing. About three hundred sick were removed to Fort
George. The exertions of Governor Carleton to prepare
his fleet to meet the Americans on the lake, were great
and unceasing. Early in October, troops were embarked,
and operations commenced. A sharp action ensued
near Valicour island, and much valour was displayed on
both sides. But the Americans were overpowered, dis-
persed, taken, or destroyed, which enabled the enemy
to approach Ticonderoga, on the llth of October. But
this victory was not followed up with spirit. Hostile
operations were suspended for the season, and the go-
vernor retired into Canada. To the honour of the go-
vernor we would here record his humanity to his prisoners,
who were often dismissed with kindness, and furnished
with necessaries to reach their friends in the United
States. These traits in his character are worthy of per-
petual remembrance and gratitude.
General Gates discharged the militia, and the campaign
was closed.
General Burgoyne succeeded to the command after
Carleton, in the spring of 1777. Operations -were com-
menced early at the head of ten thousand men, English
and German, commanded by Generals Phillips, Frazer,
Powel, Hamilton, and by the German generals, Reidesel
and Spicht. The army was well appointed, and well
supplied with every facility to ensure a successful cam-
paign. The troops were in line health and high spirits.
To this powerful armament were attached several tribes
of Indians, who were to take the field on conditions of
humanity ; they were not to scalp the wounded, nor their
prisoners; but a bounty was to be given for every pri-
soner taken and brought in alive. In June the army ar-
rived at Crown Point, and on the 19th, operations were
commenced against Ticonderoga.
General Gates was succeeded in his command by Gene-
ral Schuyler, who placed this fortress in good order for
defence, and gave the command to General St. Clair.
The fort was approached on the right wing of the Ameri-
can army on the 2d of July, and possession taken of
Mount Defiance. This lies contiguous to Ticonderoga,
188 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
and overlooks the fortress. This mount had hitherto
been deemed inaccessible, and had remained unoccupied.
Cannon were hoisted by Cackles, until the force was suffi-
cient to dislodge the garrison. To save the men, the fort
was now abandoned, and the American force retired to
Hubbardston, and thence to Castleton, where a stand was
made, about thirty miles from Ticonderoga.
General Frazer, supported by General Reidesel, com-
menced a pursuit in the morning, with the light troops
of the British and Germans, and overtook the American
rear guard under Colonel Warner, at Castleton, and com-
menced an attack on the 7th, which became sharp and
bloody. The British were routed at first, with loss ; but
finding that Colonel Warner was not supported by Gene-
ral St. Clair, they rallied to the combat, and with the bayo-
net, charged and dispersed the American rear with the
loss of about three hundred men ; and Colonel Warner
retired with the remainder of his troops to Fort Ann.
General Burgoyne, with the main body of the British
army, sailed from Ticonderoga, in pursuit of the Ameri-
can fleet ; destroyed and dispersed the whole, and land-
ed at Skeensborough, now Whitehall. He there detached
Lieutenant Colonel Hill, with a strong party, to dislodge
the Americans from Fort Ann. The garrison marched
out on the morning of the 6th, and commenced an attack
upon the detachment, which was sharply supported by
both parties, for about two hours, with apparent success
on the part of the Americans ; but a party of Indians ap-
peared and joined Colonel Hill, and the Americans with-
drew from the field, abandoned the fortress, and retired
to Fort Edward, July 12th. The whole force at this time,
at Fort Edward, did not exceed 5000 men.
The operations of both armies, were now commenced
with vigour. In his retreat, the American general destroy-
ed bridges, and obstructed the roads, to impede the pur-
suit of Burgoyne; but all these difficulties were surmount-
ed, and on the 30th, the British force reached Fort Ed-
ward, which had been abandoned by Schuyler on the 27th.
He retired to Saratoga, and on the first of August, re-
moved to Stillwater, only twenty-five miles north of
Albany. The nation saw with deep regret, that this rem-
THE UNITED STATES. 189
nant of an army was compelled to flee before a victorious
enemy, and that those important fortresses were abandon-
ed. These events greatly depressed the spirits of our
countrymen, while the foe exulted in the triumph.
On the 3d of August, Colonel St. Ledger was detached
by General Burgoyne against Fort Stanwix, as a diver-
sion. To relieve the fort, the general was ordered down
with eight hundred militia. Near the fort he fell into an
Indian ambush, and was killed in a most severe action.
The garrison sallied out, decided the sanguinary contest,
drove the Indians, and relieved the fortress. The colo-
nel sent a summons to the fort to surrender, but Colonel
Gansevoort returned a prompt and spirited reply, and St.
Ledger withdrew precipitately, and returned to the lake.
During these movements, General Washington detach-
ed General Lincoln to the northward, to take command
of such eastern militia as might join the northern army.
General Lincoln arrived at Manchester, on the 2d of Au-
gust, where he took the command of six hundred militia,
and on the 6th, he was joined by General Stark, with
eight hundred more.
General Stark was a soldier of merit, and had deserved
well of his country, by his distinguished services in the
famous battle of Bunker's Hill; but he had felt himself
wounded by the neglect of Congress, after the battle, and
retired from service. He engaged at this time in the ser-
vice of his country, upon the express condition that he
should not be constrained to serve under a continental
officer ; he accordingly resisted the pressing solicitations
of General Schuyler, to join him in checking the progress
of General Burgoyne.
Congress interposed in this controversy; and at this
eventful moment, General Burgoyne detached Colonel
Baum, with five hundred Germans, and one hundred In-
dians, to seize on the American stores at Bennington, to
enable him to pursue his march to Albany. General
Stark was apprised of this movement, and sent expresses
to collect the neighbouring militia, and marched to meet
the enemy on the 14th, supported by Colonels Warner,
Williams, and Brush. The advance parties of the two ar-
mies met, and commenced a skirmishing, that continued
through the day.
190 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
On the 15th, all operations were suspended by the ex-
cessive rains that fell ; but on the 16th, General Stark was
joined by the Berkshire militia, under Colonel Symonds,
and he detached Nichols to take post in the rear of the
enemy, on the left ; Colonel Hendrick to take post in the
rear of his right, to be supported by Colonels Hubbard
and Stickley, still further on the right. About 3 o'clock
in the afternoon, General Stark commenced an attack
upon the enemy, strongly intrenched, and supported by
two field pieces. The attack became general, and was
valiantly supported on both sides ; the Indians fled ; the
Germans were overpowered, forced from their intrench-
ments, and put to flight. The militia, flushed with the suc-
cesses of the day, abandoned the pursuit, and gave them-
selves up to plunder.
At this eventful moment, Lieutenant- Colonel Breyman
joined Colonel Baum with a reinforcement ; they rallied
to the charge, and renewed the combat. Colonel Warner
led on his regiment of continentals, at this critical mo-
ment, and supported the action until the militia could re-
cover their order, and advance to the charge. The ac-
tion soon became general, and continued through the day.
The Germans again gave way, and secured their retreat
under cover of the night, leaving their artillery, baggage,
&c. with two hundred slain, and seven hundred prisoners,
among whom was colonel Baum. This was an important
action, and proved ruinous to General Burgoyne.
This action was highly applauded, and a brigadier's
commission was made out for Colonel Stark, in the conti-
nental service. This success gave fresh courage to the
Americans, and the public pulse beat high with expec
tation. General Gates now took command of the ar
my, and the militia joined the army with alacrity. On
the rear of the British army was an American force under
General Lincoln, and on the 18th, General Brown de-
stroyed the British stores at Lake George, releasing a
number of American prisoners. Successful operations
were also commenced against Ticonderoga, and Skeens-
borough, now Whitehall. General Burgoyne had crossed
the Hudson, and finally took post at Still water, but three
miles from General Gates.
THE UNITED STATES. 191
On the 18th of September, General Gates detached
about 3000 men to offer the enemy battle ; but he decli-
ned the combat. On the 19th, the scouting parlies of
the two armies commenced a skirmishing, that led to a
general action, which continued through the day, and was
supported with great zeal and intrepid bravery. Night
closed the scene, and the two .generals drew oil" their ar-
mies, to protect their camps, and waited with impatience
the returning day.
In this action, the American loss was about three hun-
dred, and that of the English about five hundred.
The American strength W 7 as now about seven thousand,
not including about two thousand under General Lincoln,
who were then at Bennington. The Indian allies of
Great Britain were deserting the standard of General
Burgoyne since the late contest, and four of the six na-
tions favoured the cause of America, and furnished one
hundred and fifty warriors. The troops under General
Lincoln now added to the force under General Gates, and
revived the spirits of the army.
Until the 7th of October, the armies were within com-
mon shot, and skirmishes were frequent and severe. The
armies were harassed and alarmed. The situation of
Burgoyne was becoming critical, and he applied to Sir
Henry Clinton for relief. The latter had just received
two thousand men from Europe, and commenced opera-
tions by the capture of West Point, a strong fortress on
the Hudson. He was then enabled to clear the obstruc-
tions on the river, and leave a free passage for his ship-
ping. Of all this General Burgoyne had intelligence, but
too late to render him any service.
As General Burgoyne determined on a retreat, he sent
forward a strong party on one side, while he headed
another, supported by General Frazer, and a contest was
commenced immediately, and lasted through the day.
Victory perched on the American standard, and they were
successful at all points. General Arnold fought despe-
rately, and received a wound in the action. General
Frazer,* and Sir James Clark, were mortally wounded, and
* In the heat of the action, Colonel Morgan, (the future hero of the
battle of Cowpens,) selected several of his sharp shootersj and pointing
192 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
the latter became a prisoner. General Burgoyne chang-
ed his position in the night, and the Americans spoiled
the British camp.
The British now expected a momentary attack, and
were under arms all the day on the 8th, and at sunset, the
last honours were paid to the remains of the much lament-
ed Frazer. On the 9th, the English army was so closely
invested, that the commander resolved on a retreat to Sa-
ratoga. This was effected with no other loss than that of
his hospital of sick and wounded, which he was compelled
to abandon to the mercy of General Gates, who did ho-
nour to his character, in the display of his benevolent
feelings in behalf of the sufferers.
General Burgoyne now perceived that all the passes in
his rear were strongly guarded, and that further retreat
was next to impossible. In this difficulty, he called a
council, on the 13th. While the council was delibera-
ting, an eighteen pound shot crossed the table, and they
resolved unanimously to propose terms with General
Gates. The proposals of General Gates were rejected,
and General Burgoyne then sent in terms on which the
capitulation was finally made.
The news of the capture in the Highlands, is said to
have arrived at this juncture, which led General Bur-
goyne to hesitate, in expectation of relief from Sir Henry
Clinton. General Gates, seizing the critical moment,
drew up his army in battle array, and sent in a flag, de-
manding a reply in ten minutes. The responsibility was
great, and Burgoyne felt it. The treaty was signed, and
returned in due time.
The whole British army marched out of their lines,
deposited their arms, and became prisoners of war. Ge-
neral Gates marched in under the tune of Yankee Doodle,
and took quiet possession. General Gates ordered sup-
plies to be issued to the British army, who were destitute,
and the solemn scene was closed.
them to a British officer who appeared most conspicuously active in hia
duty, at the head of his division, mounted upon an iron gray charger,
thus addressed them : " That gallant officer is General Prazer ; I ad-
mire and respect him ; but it is necessary that he should die ; take your
station in that wood, and do your duty." It is unnecessary to add, that
General Frazer soon fell, mortally worlnded.
THE UNITED STATES. 193
Such, and so various are the scenes of life, and the fates
of men ; such, and so fickle is the fortune of war ; but
firm and unshaken is the providence of God ; wisdom,
and might, and strength, are His.
Sir Henry Clinton detached Sir James Wallace, and
General Vaughn, with a flying squadron, carrying 3600
troops, to penetrate, if possible, to the, camp of Bur-
goyne, or make a diversion in his favour ; but learning
the situation of General Burgoyne, at Esopus, on the 13th,
they set fire to the village, and consumed it. Had they
proceeded to Albany, they might have destroyed the
place, with the American stores, and Burgoyne might
have been relieved. The inquiry has often been made,
why this unnecessary de.lay ? But no other answer can be
given, than this ; it was the special providence of God.
l^he army of General Burgoyne was marched directly
to Boston, where they were detained as prisoners of war.
Having thus restored tranquillity in the north, the army
under General Gates marched to support General Putnam
at Kingston, and guard the country from the incursions of
the British. The alarm was taken, and the enemy hasten-
ed back to New- York.
We will now take a look at the transactions of the con-
quering army of New-York. About the time that victory
perched on the British standard on Lake Champlain, un-
der the direction of Burgoyne, General Howe embarked
with about sixteen thousand troops, with two hundred
and sixty sail, and on the 23d of July, went to sea on a
private expedition, to make a diversion at the south.
General Washington then made a movement towards De-
laware, that he might cover Philadelphia. General
Howe, manoeuvred on the coast some days, and finally
entered the Chesapeake. Washington advanced to meet
him. The British troops were landed at Elk River ferry
and the two armies met at Chad's Ford, on the Brandy-
wine, where an action was fought on the llth of Septem-
ber. Victory declared for the English, and,Washington
retired to the high grounds, to watch the enemy. Phila-
delphia was entered on the 26th, when Congress retired to
Lancaster.
About this time the Marquis La Fayette arrived in the
194 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
United States, and tendered his services to Congress, and
he received a commission as brigadier general in the ser-
vice. He joined the army, and served at his own ex-
pense, and soon became the companion and the friend of
Washington. His talents as a soldier were first display-
ed at Chad's Ford, where he received a wound in the leg,
the effects of which he still carries. The Count Pulaski,
Polish gentleman, also distinguished himself in the battle,
and was honoured with the commission of Major General.
The fleet of Lord Howe was now ordered into the De-
laware, that his communication with the ocean might re-
main secure.
While the fleet was thus employed, Washington at-
tempted to cut off the main body of the British army, en-
camped at Germantown, seven miles from the city. The
attack was well concerted, and executed promptly.
The British were completely surprised, at break of day,
October 4th ; at sunrise, the action became warm, and the
Americans were successful at all points, until they at-
tempted to dislodge a battalion of the British, who, in their
flight, had thrown themselves into a stone house ; this
occasioned a delay, broke the pursuit, and gave the enemy
time to recover from their surprise, and rally to the charge ;
the action soon became warm and bloody. A thick fog
arose, which covered the combatants, and caused some
confusion; the enemy took advantage of this, the Ameri-
cans retired, and abandoned the victory they had so fairly
gained.
The losses of the parties were about equal ; but it
proved a lesson of caution to General Howe. He col-
lected his army at Philadelphia, where he was closely in-
vested by General Washington, through the winter; which
occasioned the remark of Dr. Franklin : " Philadelphia
has taken Howe."
The privations of the American army were truly dis-
tressing; without clothes, shoes, stockings, and even
breeches and blankets ; more than two thousand were
marched through the snow, imprinting the roads with their
blood-stained steps ; yet all this was endured with a firm-
ness worthy of those valiant sons of liberty.
Dr. Benjamin Franklin hao^nowbeen more than a year
THE UNITED STATES. 195
in France, urging the government of that country to ac-
knowledge our independence, and to enter into a treaty
of alliance. These .objects were effected, after the fall of
Burgoyne had manifested the probability that the Ameri-
cans could maintain their independent stand single hand-
ed. A treaty was signed on the sixth of February, by
which it was agreed, that " neither of the contracting
powers was to make war or peace, without the formal
consent of the other." The treaty was soon known in
London, and the British government determined to eva-
cuate Philadelphia, and concentrate the royal forces in
New-York. On the 18th of June, the royal army crossed
the Delaware on the road to New- York. But Washing-
ton had foreseen this, and prepared the militia of New-
Jersey to give the British a troublesome march.
He crossed the Delaware in pursuit, and the hostile
armies met at Monmouth on the 28th, sixty-four miles
from Philadelphia. The contest was severe, and the
weather so hot, that numbers of both armies perished
from that cause, and the use of water, when it could be
obtained. The American army remained on the battle
ground, intending to renew the contest in the morning,
but the enemy made good a retreat. The loss of the
Americans was eight officers, and sixty-one privates kill-
ed, and one hundred and sixty wounded. The British
loss, in killed, wounded, and missing, was three hundred
and fifty-eight men, including officers. One hundred pri-
soners were taken, and the loss by desertion was one
thousand. Sir Henry retired, by forced marches, to
Sandy Hook, where he was taken on board the fleet, and
embarked the army for New-York.
General Lee has been censured by a court-martial for
disobedience of orders on this occasion. It appears that
he first declined a particular command, and then asked
for it. Washington directed him to commence the at-
tack, " unless there should be powerful reasons to the
contrary," and his disobedience, " and doubtful move-
ments," appear to have marred the expected success, and
justified the event, in depriving him of his command.
The French government, by the terms of the treaty,
had now entered into the war.
196 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
On the 8th of July, Count D'Estaing entered the capes
of the Delaware, with the Toulon fleet, after a passage
of eighty-seven days ; Lord Howe had been gone only
eleven days, and Sir Henry Clinton had evacuated Phila-
delphia only one month before, and was now embarking
his army at Sandy Hook,*fbr New- York. The French
fleet was about double the force of the English, both in
the number of ships, and weight of metal.
Count D'Estaing landed Mr. Gerard, French minister
to the United States, who was most cordially received by
congress, and on the 9th set sail for Sandy Hook, where
he arrived on the llth, and blockaded the English squad-
ron in the harbour. The count made all possible efforts
to attack the English fleet in the harbour, but found it im-
practicable to cross the bar with his heavy ships, and, on
the 22d, agreeable to advice from General Washington,
he set sail for Newport, to co-operate in the destruction
of the British fleet and army, at Rhode Island.
Admiral Byron's squadron arrived at Sandy Hook a
few days after the departure of the French fleet, in a very
broken, sickly, dismasted, distressed situation. The pro-
vision ships from Cork, arrived also, and entered the har-
bour of New- York in safety, to the inexpressible joy of
the British army, who were in great want of supplies.
Count D'Estaing arrived off Point Judith on the 29th
of July, and such was the joy upon the occasion, that it
diffused the fire and zeal of 1775, and 1776, throughout
New-England. Volunteers, by thousands, flocked to the
standard of their country to join General Sullivan, and
co-operate with their illustrious allies in the reduction of
Rhode Island.
General Washington had * detached the Marquis La
Fayette, and General Greene, with two thousand men, to
join the general enterprise. The American force was
now about ten thousand strong.
Sir Robert Pigot, who commanded at Newport, had
been reinforced with five battalions, which rendered his
force about six thousand strong. Thus balanced, the par-
ties commenced their operations.
The Count D'Estaing entered the harbour of Newport
on the 18th of August, without opposition ; General Pigot,
THE UNITED STATES. 19t
having destroyed the English shipping on the 5th, to pre-
vent they* falling into the hands of the French.
On the 9th, at eight in the morning, General Sullivan
began to cross over with his army from Tiverton, the
enemy having abandoned their works at the north end of
the island. At two in the morning, Lord Howe appear-
ed off Point Judith, with a fleet of twenty-five sail of the
line, where he anchored for the night.
On the 10th, Count D'Estaing, eager to meet the Bri-
tish fleet, took advantage of the wind, and put to sea.
The two fleets mamBuvred through the day, without co-
ming to action. On the llth, a violent gale sprang up,
arid continued through the 12th and 13th, which parted
the fleets, dismasted the French Admiral's ship, destroyed
her rudder, and greatly damaged several others.
On the 14th, the gale abated, and close and severe ac-
tions commenced between several single ships of the two
fleets, but nothing decisive. The Count, having collected
six of his ships, covered his disabled fleet, and stood in
for Newport, and came to anchor.
General Greene and the Marquis La Fayette went on
board the Admiral's ship, and pressed him to enter the
harbour of Newport, and complete the enterprise ; but
the fleet was so shattered by the storm, and the officers
were generally so averse, that the Count concluded to
sail for Boston.
The troops under General Sullivan had gained the
north end of the island, and marched down upon the ene-
my's lines, ready to co-operate with the French fleet, and
commence the attack ; but their sufferings in the storm
were so severe, that the troops were in a deplorable state.
On the 15th, the American army had recovered from
their misfortunes, and were again prepared for action.
In this situation, they continued 'anxiously waiting the
movements of the Frencli fleet, to join in the general at-
tack ; but. to their grief and astonishment, they saw them
weigh and stand oft' for Boston, on the 24th. The mor-
tification of General Sullivan was greater than the pride
of an American soldier could sustain, and he expressed
himself unguardedly, in his general orders, on the occa-
sion.
17*
198 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
On the 28th, Count D'Estaing wrote to Congress, from
Boston, and explained his movements, to the satisfaction
of that honourable body.
General Sullivan soon saw himself abandoned by most
of the volunteers, which reduced his army to a standard
below that of the enemy, and he hastened to secure his
retreat.
On the 25th, General Sullivan sent off his heavy can-
non, and on the 29th, he retired to the north end of the
island. General Pigot pursued with his whole force, to
intercept his retreat. The advance guard of the enemy
was soon engaged with the rear guard of the Americans,
and a severe action ensued, that continued through the
day. The next day, General Sullivan learnt that Lord
Howe was again at sea, and that the French fleet was not
expected to return to Newport, and he hastened to evacu-
ate the island.
General Sullivan, with the advice and assistance of
General Greene, and the Marquis La Fayette, conducted
his retreat in the presence of a superior foe, whose sen-
tries were not more than 400 yards distant from the Ame-
rican sentries ; and on the morning of the 1st of Septem-
ber, 1778, the retreat was accomplished without the loss
of a man, or any part of the artillery or baggage.
The same day, Sir Henry Clinton arrived off Newport,
on board of the fleet under Lord Howe, with four thou-
sand troops, to cut off the American retreat ; but learn-
ing the departure of the French for Boston, and the re-
treat of the Americans, he set sail for Boston, in pursuit
of the French. On the morning of the 3d, he discovered
the French fleet in the harbour of Boston, strongly post-
ed, and returned to New- York. On the 5th, Lord Howe
commenced an attack upon the American shipping in Bed-
ford harbour, and destroyed about seventy sail, besides
small craft, stores, dwelling houses, and vessels on the
stocks, together with the magazine, to the amount of
20,OOOZ. sterling.
His lordship next commenced an attack upon Martha's
Vineyard, destroyed all the vessels, and carried off the
arms of the militia, the public money, 300 oxen, and
10,000 sheep, and returned to New- York.
THE UNITED STATES. 199
The following extract of a letter from General Wash-
ington, shall close the chapter :
" It is not a little pleasing, nor less wonderful, to con-
template, that after two years manoeuvring, and under-
going the strangest vicissitudes that perhaps ever attend-
ed any one contest since the creation, both armies are
brought back to the very point they set out from, and the
offending party, in the beginning, is reduced to the spade
and pick-axe for defence. The hand of Providence has
been so conspicuous in all this, that he must be worse than
an infidel that lacks faith, and more than wicked, that has
not gratitude enough to acknowledge his obligations."
CHAPTER X.
Operations of the Revolutionary War Continued.
\
THE British, finding the instability of their dependence
on the success of their arms, determined to accomplish
their object by the arts of diplomacy. An attempt was
made to bribe a Mr, Reed, and other members of con-
gress, to assist in reconciling the Americans to the Eng-
lish government. The instrument of this attempt was
George Johnston, Esq. one of the British commissioners.
Mr. Reed replied " I am not worth buying, but such as
I am, the King of England is not rich enough to do it."
The facts were disclosed to congress, and excited consider-
able feeling.
Congress then resolved, that all letters addressed to
members of congress by British commissioners, or agents,
or any subjects of the King of Great Britain, of a public
nature, should be laid before that body. To this resolu-
tion, a spirited reply was made from New-York by John-
ston, and a total disavowal of the facts, on the part of ir
Henry Clinton, Lord Carlisle, and Mr. Eden. At the same
time, a ratification of the convention of Saratoga was
tendered, that the troops of Burgoyne might be suffered
to embark for England. This was declined by congress,
unless ratified by the British government.
200 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
The commissioners then appealed to the people, and
this was favoured by congress, trusting that the good
sense of the inhabitants would treat it with contempt, and
cover the authors with lasting disgrace. Chagrined by
their failure in this insidious measure, they denounced
the American government in a manifesto, threatening the
American people with destruction, if determined to per-
severe in their rebellion, and adhere to their alliance with
France. This idle threat was fairly met by congress, by
a developement of the mode of warfare adopted by the
enemy, and was thus concluded :
" If our enemies presume to execute their threats, or
persist in their present career of barbarity, we will take
such exemplary vengeance as shall deter others from a
like conduct. We appeal to that God who is the searcher
of hearts, for the rectitude of our intentions, and in his
holy presence declare, thai as we are not moved by any
light or hasty suggestions of anger or revenge, so, through
every possible change of fortune, we will adhere to this
our determination."
Dr. Franklin, till now a commissioner at the French
court, was appointed minister plenipotentiary to the court
of Versailles, with instructions to negotiate for an expe-
dition to Canada. About this time, the Sieur Gerard de-
livered his credentials to congress, and was recognised as
a minister from the French court.
The Marquis La Fayette, at this time, requested leave
to return to France, to which congress readily consented,
and directed the president to express to him, by letter, the
thanks of congress, for that disinterested zeal that led
him to America, as well as those services he had rendered
the United States, by the exertions of his courage and
abilities, on many signal occasions. They also directed
Dr. Franklin to cause an elegant sword to be made, with
proper devices, and presented to the marquis, in the name
of the United States. Congress, at the same time, ad-
dressed a letter to the King of France, expressive of the
high sense they entertained of the talents and services oi
the marquis. He took his leave of congress by letter, re-
paired to Boston, and embarked for France.
Pending these movements, the Indians, in concert with
THE UNITED STATES. 201
the tories, began their ravages upon the Susquehannah,
entered the settlements in a body of about sixteen hun-
dred ; defeated Colonel Butler, at the head of about four
hundred men, and cut off his party with a terrible slaughter.
They took one small fort at Kingston, and then carried
Fort Wilkesbarre ; butchered the garrison, and burnt the
women and children in the barracks. They next proceed-
ed to lay waste the settlements with fire and sword, and
destroyed the cattle in the most wanton and barbarous
manner; but spared the persons and property of the tories.
Sir Henry Clinton detached Captain Ferguson, with
about three hundred men, upon an expedition to Little
Egg-Harbour, under a strong convoy, to destroy the Ame-
rican shipping and privateers ; but these being removed,
Captain Ferguson proceeded up to Chesnut Neck, where
he destroyed such vessels as were there, together with the
whole village, and laid waste the adjacent country, arid
rejoined the squadron. October 5th.
On the 15th, the convoy, with the troops, moved round
to another landing place not far distant, and landed two
hundred and fifty men under the command of Captain Fer-
guson, who advanced into the country in the silence of
night, and surprised Count Pulaski's light infantry; killed
the Baron De Base and Lieutenant De la Broderic, with
fifty privates. These were mostly butchered in cold
blood, begging for mercy, under the orders of no quarters,
as before ; but Count Pulaski closed this horrid scene, by
a sudden charge of his cavalry, that put to flight the mur-
derous foe, and thus saved the remnant of his infantry.
Captain Ferguson made a hasty retreat, embarked his
party, and returned to New-York.
Admiral Graves arrived at New- York, on the 16th of
October, in a most shattered condition, by a violent storm
which detained him the remainder of the month, to repair
the fleet. About the first of November he put to sea, and
appeared off the harbour of Boston, on a visit to the Count
D'Estaing ; but a violent storm here overtook him, scat-
tered his fleet, destroyed the Somerset of 64 guns, on the
shores of Cape Cod, and forced the rest into Rhode Island
for shelter.
From this time the war assumed a most savage aspect,
202 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
and exhibited the most unrelenting barbarity. Except in
few instances, the rules of civilized warriors seemed hardly
to be known, and the combatants seemed mutually deter-
mined on a war of extermination. The war was carried
anew into the Susquehannah country. Col. Wm. Butler, at
the head of a Pennsylvania regiment, with a band of rifle-
men, led an expedition to the Indian villages, which he de-
stroyed, and af*er enduring the greatest hardships, re-
turned in safety in sixteen days. To avenge this incursion,
Colonel John Butler, at the head of a strong party, sur-
prised Colonel Alden at Cherry Valley, who was killed, and
the greatest cruelties were perpetrated. Fifty or sixty men.
women, and children, were killed or made captives, and
even the dead were made monuments of savage barbarities.
All further designs against the north, seemed now to be
abandoned. Clinton and Prescott, who commanded in
East Florida, concerted a plan of operations against Geor-
gia. Before this could be carried into effect, two parties
entered Georgia from Florida, one by land, and the other
by water. The latter advanced to Sunbury, and sum-
moned the place to surrender, but receiving a spirited re-
ply from Colonel Mackintosh, the attempt was abandoned.
The other party made for Savannah, but being firmly op-
posed by General Screven and Colonel Elbert, nothing
was effected, if we except the plundering of negroes and
cattle, and the commission of the most wanton barbarities.
Colonel Screven was killed in the defence.
On the 27th of November, 1778, Colonel Campbell em-
barked at Sandy Hook, at the head of one regiment, two
battalions of regulars, and four of tories, with a detach-
ment of artillery, in all about twenty-live hundred men.
and arrived at the mouth of the Savannah, the latter part
of December, and soon landed his troops. General R.
Howe was posted in this place, at the head of about
eight hundred militia and regulars, worn down by a fruit-
less expedition against Florida. He chose a judicious po-
sition to cover Savannah, but was out-generaled, sur-
prised in camp, and routed with a considerable loss of
men and arms. The fort, with its contents, forty-eight
pieces of cannon, twenty-three mortars, all the shipping,
a large store of provisions, and the capital of the state,
THE UNITED STATES. 203
fell into the hands of the victors. The defenceless in-
habitants were bayonetted in the streets, and the remnant
of the troops escaped to South Carolina. About this
time, Sunbury fell into the hands of General Prescott,
who marched to Savannah, and took command of the
royal army. The inhabitants were directed to lay down
their arms, or use them in support of the royal cause.
On the 25 th of September, General Lincoln was ap-
pointed to the command of the southern army, but he did
not arrive at Charleston until the 4th of December. He
was joined by General Ashe and Rutherford, with about
two thousand North Carolina militia, destined to act in de-
fence of South Carolina.
As Georgia was the point of attack, General Lincoln
raised something less than a thousand men, and joined
the remains of the troops under Colonel Elbert, establish-
ing his head quarters at Purysburg. Here he found him-
self at the head of but fourteen hundred men, and even
this small force destitute of arms, cannon, tents, and al-
most of powder and lead. The militia of South Caroli-
na were without discipline or subordination, and on the
21th of January, 1779, they had generally returned to
their homes. About eleven hundred militia from North
Carolina supplied their place, and the whole force was
about twenty-four hundred.
General Prescott had taken possession of Port Royal
Island, South Carolina, and General Moultrie, at the head
of the Charleston militia, attacked the island, dislodged
the enemy, and compelled the Colonel to retire into Geor-
gia, with much loss. He took post at Augusta, and by
fomenting divisions, and encouraging insurrections,
caused much distress. But a party from the district of
Ninety-six, under Colonel Pickens, pursued the banditti,
which they overtook, routed, killed, or dispersed, and
their leader, Colonel Boyd, was slain. The remainder
threw themselves on the clemency of the state. Seventy
were tried, convicted, and sentenced to death, but the sen-
tence was executed on five of the principals only, and the
remainder were pardoned.
General Lincoln determined to dislodge the enemy from
Georgia, and directed General Williamson to take a strong
204 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
position near Augusta, to watch the motions of Colonel
Campbell ; and General Ashe was ordered to the support of
General Williamson, with about two thousand men. On
receiving the intelligence of this junction, the British re-
tired about fourteen miles down the river. Measures
were concerted by the American generals, and the plan
of operations settled.
About this time, Colonel Provost gained the rear of
the American camp by a circuitous march, and commen-
ced a furious attack. The continentals advanced to the
charge, to check the invaders ; but the militia were panic
struck, and flight ensued. The regulars, under General
Elbert, were cut to pieces, and the militia, under General
Ashe, never returned. The Americans lost one hundred
and fifty killed, and one hundred and sixty-two captured.
The wounded not numbered. About four hundred and
fifty rejoined General Lincoln. Georgia now belonged to
the enemy, and a free communication was opened with
the tories of South Carolina.
In this state of alarm, John Rutledge was appointed
governor of the state, and to him and the council was gi-
ven a dictatorial power. A large body of militia was as-
sembled at Orangeburg, near the centre of the state, to
act as might be required. General Williamson sent par-
ties into Georgia to distress and plunder the enemy.
On this, General Lincoln remarked to the governor, that
the innocent and the guilty, the aged and infirm, women
and children, would be equally exposed to the effects of
this order. General Lincoln was now reinforced at his
camp, Black Swamp, and advanced into Georgia, leaving
a strong guard under General Moultrie, at Purysburg.
Prescott permitted the Americans to advance one hun-
dred and fifty miles, that he might surprise General Moul-
trie. Moultrie eluded the attack, by a change of position.
General Lincoln, learning the movements of Prescott,
moved by forced marches in support of Moultrie, and to
cover Charleston. The governor took alarm by the
movements of Prescott, and destroyed the suburbs, that
he might guard against the advance of the enemy. The
neighbouring militia were called in to join his troops in
defence of Charleston.
THE UNITED STATES. 205
On the llth, General Prescott crossed the ferry, and
appeared before Charleston, on which day the Count Pu-
laski arrived, and entered into the defence of this city
with spirit. The object of General Prescott was, to carry
the town before General Lincoln could arrive, and his
operations were conducted with such vigour, that the civil
authority sent out the following proposition.
" South Carolina will remain in a state of neutrality till
the close of the war, and then follow the fate of her
neighbours, on condition the royal army withdraw." To
which General Prescott replied : " The garrison are in
arms, and they shall surrender prisoners of war."
Before General Prescott could accomplish any thing of
importance, General Lincoln arrived, and the enemy with-
drew to Beaufort, and thence to Georgia. Plunder and
devastation marked their steps. Slaves to the number of
three thousand were taken, and sent for sale to the West-
Indies.
An expedition was fitted out by Sir Henry Clinton,
under Sir George Collier, and General Matthews, from
New-York, who took possession of Portsmouth, and the
remains of Norfolk, in Virginia, in May, 1779. On the
same day a detachment was sent to Suffolk, and destroy-
ed provisions, naval stores, and vessels, leaving the town
in ashes, and gentlemen's seats, as well as plantations,
were burnt and ravaged. On the coast the same ravages
were committed by the fleet. About one hundred and
thirty vessels were destroyed or captured, with about
three thousand hogsheads of tobacco.
About this time a successful attempt was made against
Stoney Point and Verplank, by Sir Henry Clinton, after
which he went forward to the Highlands.
Previous to these operations. Sir Henry Clinton had
concerted measures with the tories and British under his
command, to assume a general system of predatory war
in America, and submitted his plans to the British minis-
try, who expressed their approbation. This plan soon
reached the American commission, at Paris, and was com-
municated to Governor Trumbull, of Connecticut, on the
6th of April, 1779.
Sir Henry Clinton detached General Trvon, (late Go-
18
<
206 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
vernor of New-York,) with 2600 land forces, protected by
a squadron under Sir George Collier, and supported by
General Garth, to begin their depredations in Connecti-
cut. On the 4th of July, the armament moved into the
Sound, and the commanders issued their proclamation to
the citizens of Connecticut, offering pardon and protec-
tion to all such as would return to their allegiance, but
hreatening ruin and destruction to all who should reject
his overture. On the morning of the 6th, General Tryon
landed his division at East-Haven ; General Garth landed
at the same time at West-Haven, and proceeded directly
to New-Haven, and gave up the town to promiscuous pil-
lage. The militia collected so fast on the next day, that
the enemy abandoned the town in haste, burnt several
stores on long wharf, and embarked their troops.
The infamous Tryon next proceeded to the plunder of
East-Haven, and then sailed for Fail-field. The town and
vicinity were laid in ruins, and the enemy embarked for
Norwalk, which was next laid in ashes. He then return-
ed to New- York.
In this incursion, four houses for public worship, near
one hundred dwellings, eighty barns, about thirty stores,
seventeen shops, four mills, and five vessels, were burnt.
And, in addition to this destruction of property, the great-
est acts of brutality were perpetrated. Women were in-
sulted and abused, while their apparel was robbed, and
desks, trunks, and closets, were rifled.
But a plan was concerted by General Washington,
which kept in check this hero of rapine and conflagration.
This plan issued in the capture of "Stoney Point, on the
Hudson.
General Wayne commenced his movements against
Stoney Point, on the 15th, at noon ; and, after having
crossed the mountains, through dangerous and difficult
defiles, he approached the fort about eight of the same
evening. Having reconnoitered the position of the ene-
my, the general put himself at the head of his brave
troops, and, at twenty minutes past twelve precisely, on
the night of the 16th, entered the fort with screwed bayo-
nets, amidst a most tremendous fire of musket and grape,
and carried the fortress without firing a gun. Lieute-
THE UNITED STATES. 207
nant-Colonel Fleury entered the fort with his division,
upon the opposite side, at the same time, and both parties
met in the centre ; but the garrison was spared and made
prisoners of war, to the number of five hundred and for-
ty-three. General Wayne dismantled the fort, and
brought off the cannon, stores, &c. agreeable to orders.
Congress passed a vote of thanks to General Washing-
ton, General Wayne, and the officers and soldiers under
their command, for the masterly exploit in the capture of
Stoney Point.
The English, having persuaded the six nations, except-
ing the Oneidas, to take up the hatchet against the United
States, General Sullivan was sent with a detachment of
'from four to five thousand men to chastise them. He
marched up the Susquehannah, and attacked them in their
fortifications, which were well constructed The resist-
ance was obstinate, but they were compelled to yield, and
took to flight. According to his instructions, their coun-
try was devastated, and one hundred and sixty thousand
bushels of corn were consumed.
The attention of the reader will now be turned to the
ocean, where the brilliant achievements of our hardy tars
struck with terror " the mistress of the seas."
About the last of July, the American captain, John
Paul Jones, sailed from port L'Orient, in France, on a
cruise, on board the French ship, the Bon Homme Rich-
ard, of forty guns, and 375 men, accompanied by the fri-
gates Alliance, of thirty-six guns, Pallas, thirty-two guns,
and the Vengeance, an armed brig of twelve guns, and a
cutter. Commodore Jones^ cruised off the coast of
Scotland, with his little squadron, until he fell in with the
homeward bound Baltic fleet, under the convoy of the
Serapis, Captain Pierson, and Countess of Scarborough,
Captain Pearcy. When Captain Pierson discovered Com-
modore Jones, he made sail to cover the convoy, and
gave signal at the same time for the Countess of Scarbo-
rough to join him, which was immediately done, Sept. 23.
Commodore Jones immediately laid his ship along side
of the Serapis, and commenced an action, which soon
became desperate ; but the Serapis appeared to reap ad-
vantage from her superior management. To obviate this,
208 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
Commodore Jones laid his ship across the bow of the
Serapis, and the ships grappled, yard arm and yard arm,
and the muzzles of their guns were nearly in contact. In
this position they lay, vomiting forth death, and strewing
the decks with carnage and destruction, about two hours.
Both ships were frequently on fire, but the Serapis not
less than ten or twelve times.
The Alliance attempted to co-operate in the action, and
with some good effect, until the darkness of the evening
rendered it impossible to distinguish correctly, when she
killed eleven men, and wounded several others, on board
the Bon Homme Richard. At this critical moment the
Serapis struck, and closed the sanguinary scene. The
Bon Homme Richard, at the close of the action, was so
much of a wreck as to have seven feet of water in her
hold, which rendered it necessary to remove the crew
onboard the Serapis, and the wounded on board the Pal-
las. On the 24th, her pumps were closely plied ; but on
the 25th, she went down; fortunately no lives were lost.
The Pallas engaged and took the Countess of Scarbo-
rough, at the same time, and Commodore Jones sailed
with his prizes for the coast of Holland, and anchored
off the Texel.
We shall now return to the operations in the southern
states.
Instead of pursuing General Prescott in his retreat to
Georgia, General Lincoln devoted all his powers and
strength to the defence of Charleston, against any fur-
ther attack. After learning the success of the Count
D'Estaing in the West Indies, Governor Rutledge, Gene-
ral Lincoln, and the French Consul, wrote to the count,
inviting him to co-operate with the Americans in the re*
duction of Savannah. The invitation was accepted, and
on the first of September he arrived off Charleston, with
a fleet of twenty sail of the line, two of fifty guns, and
eleven frigates. A British eighty gun ship and three fri-
gates were taken by surprise.
On the arrival of the count, General Lincoln marched
with all his troops for Savannah. The fleet sailed to join
him ; the French troops were landed in ten or twelve
days, and Count D'Estaing summoned the town to surreti-
THE UNITED STATES. 209
der to the arms of the King of France. General Lin-
coln remonstrated against this, as the Americans were
acting in concert. The Count persisted, and General
Prescott demanded a cessation of hostilities for twenty-
four hours, to deliberate, which was granted. During
this time, seven or eight hundred troops arrived from
Beaufort, and General Prescott determined to defend the
town to the last extremity. The count saw his error,
and consulted General Lincoln, and they united their
efforts to carry the town by a regular siege.
On the 23d of September the allies broke ground, and
commenced their operations. On the 4th of October,
they opened their batteries, and began to play upon the
town with nine mortars, and fifty-four pieces of cannon,
which continued four or five days without intermission*
but without any apparent effect. On the morning of the
8th, the enemy sallied out, and attempted to set fire to
the abattis ; but the materials were green, the weather
moist, and the attempt failed. General Prescott next re-
quested, that the women and children might be removed ;
but this w r as refused, and the allies resolved to carry the
town by storm.
The morning of the 9th was the time agreed upon, and
the assault commenced. The attack was well concerted,
and bravely executed, by the allies ; yet the fire of the
enemy was so destructive, that the troops gave way, after
having planted the French and American standards upon
the British redoubts. At this eventful moment the brave
Count Pulaski fell, mortally wounded, at the head of his
legion, when charging the enemy in their rear, in the full
career of victory. The allies supported this desperate
conflict fifty-five minutes, under a deadly fire from the
enemy's batteries, and then made good their retreat, with
the loss of six hundred and thirty-seven French, and two
hundred and thirty-four continentals^ killed and wounded.
The defence of the place was well conducted by Gene-
ral Prescott, and he certainly deserved the applause of his
king and country.
In consideration of the bravery of Count Pulaski, the
congiess resolved that a monument be erected to his
memory
18*
210 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
The Count D'Estaing soon embarked, and seven ships
were ordered for the Chesapeake, one of which only ar-
rived at the place of destination, tlie fleet having; been
dispersed by a storm. The remainder steered for the
West Indies.
As Sir Henry Clinton expected an attack on New-
York by the French fleet, General Pigot was ordered
to evacuate Rhode-Island, which order was accomplish-
ed, and the troops repaired to head-quarters at New-
York.
Near the close of December, as the coast was still
clear, Sir Henry planned an expedition to South Caro-
lina. He embarked seven thousand live hundred troops,
under convoy of Admiral Arbuthnot, and about the last
of January, 1780, he appeared off Charleston. As one
ordnance ship, and several transports, had been wrecked
and lost on the passage, and several taken by the Ameri-
cans, he was not prepared to effect a landing until Febru-
ary llth, Avhenhe landed on the south side of John's
Island, thirty miles from the city.
* But this expedition had been foreseen by congress, and
preparations were made to meet it. Three continental
frigates were to sail for the port, and a trusty officer was
despatched to the Havanna, in order to obtain ships and
troops for the defence, promising, as a return, two thou-
sand men to co-operate with the Spaniards in the reduc-
tion of St. Augustine.
To the force of seven or eight thousand men, General
Lincoln could oppose but two thousand four hundred,
near half of whom were militia ; yet with them he hoped
to defend the city. The continental frigates arrived, and,
landing their crews, guns, and equipments, prepared to
act on the defensive. The British admiral entered the
harbour with all the ships which could pass the bar.
On the 10th of April, the town was summoned to sur-
render, which the commander refused. On the 12th, Sir
Henry opened his batteries on the town, and his fire wa >
promptly returned during eight successive days. On the
18th, a reinforcement arrived from New-York, of three,
thousand men, and Sir Henry approached within three
Hundred vards of the American lines. A council of war
THE UNITED STATES. 211
was now called, by General Lincoln, of which the follow-
ing was the result.
" A retreat would be attended with many distressing
inconveniences, if not altogether impracticable, for the
undermentioned causes.
1. The authority is averse to it, and would counteract
the measure.
2. It must be performed in the face of a superior enemy,
across a river three miles wide.
3. The passes are occupied by the enemy, which must
be forced.
4. All these obstacles being overcome, the Santee must
be crossed without boats, in the face of a pursuing enemy.
We, therefore, advise to make immediate terms with the
enemy."
General Lincoln, however, determined to continue the
defence ; but, on the 26th, General Lincoln again sum-
moned another council of war, and at the eventful mo-
ment, the flag of the enemy was seen to wave on the walls
of Fort Moultrie. Sullivan's Island fell into the hands of
the enemy on the 6th of May.
Sir Henry Clinton pushed his approaches, and on the
8th, he opened a correspondence with General Lincoln ;
renewed his summons, offered terms, &c. and threatened
to renew hostilities at 8 o'clock. The eventful hour ar-
rived, and awful, solemn silence ensued ; neither party
fired a gun ; all was anxious suspense for an hour, yet
neither party moved a proposition. At 9, the besieged
opened a fire upon the enemy, who, in their turn, opened
their batteries upon the town, which threatened to bury
it in ruins. The town was repeatedly on fire, and many
houses were burnt ; at the same time, Sir Henry advanced
his last parallel to the distance of twenty yards, and pre-
pared for a general assault, by sea and land.
The critical moment had now arrived ; the people, by
their leaders, called on General Lincoln to renew the con-
ference, and make terms with the enemy. The lieutenant-
governor and council enforced the request. The militia
threw down their arms, and all was submission.
General Lincoln renewed the conference with Sir Henry,
and accepted his terms. Sir Henry complied, and the
212 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
next day the garrison, with all such as nad borne arms,
marched out, and became prisoners of war, May 12th.
The French consul, and the subjects of France and
Spain, were, with their houses and effects, to be protect-
ed; but they themselves were to be considered prisoners
of war.
At this time, Colonel Buford was advancing through
the upper country, with a party of 300 Virginians, to the
relief of Charleston. When Colonel Tarleton learnt the
position of this party, he advanced with about 700 ca-
valry and mounted infantry, by a forced march of 105
miles, in fifty-four hours, and surprised them at the Wax-
haws, and summoned the colonel to surrender. A parley
ensued ; and during the conference, Colonel Tarleton
surrounded the party, and cut them to pieces, while beg-
ging for mercy. Thirty-seven only were made prisoners,
and the remainder were either killed or wounded in the
butchery. Lord Cornwallis highly applauded the act,
and recommended Colonel Tarleton specially to the fa-
vour of his sovereign. With this blow, the state of South
Carolina was subdued, and a regular British government
was organized.
General Gates, then in Virginia, was appointed to suc-
ceed General Lincoln, in the southern command.
'Georgia and South Carolina were now wholly subdued,
and the enemy saw his way clear, to advance into North
Carolina.
To counteract these movements of Tarleton, and keej
up the spirits of the people, Generals Marion and Sump
ter, at the head of their flying parties; kept up a system
of predatory warfare, that greatly harassed and annoyed
the enemy. So sharp and desperate were their attacks,
that, in one instance, General Sumpter reduced the Prince
of Wales' regiment, from the number of 278 to nine.
While the brave Sumpter was thus harassing the enemy,
and animating the zeal of the inhabitants, a considerable
force was traversing the middle states south ward, for the
relief of the British troops.
On the 6th of June, Generals Kniphausen, Robertson,
Try on and Sterling, crossed over from S tat en Island into
New-Jersey, at the head of 5000 regulars. On the 7th,
THE UNITED STATES. 213
they advanced to Connecticut Farms, distant about five
miles, in quest of the Rev. James Caldwell, whose patri-
otic zeal had rendered him peculiarly obnoxious ; wan-
tonly shot his wife in her own house, then burnt the house
and meeting-house, .with about a dozen other dwelling
houses. The royal army next attempted to advance to
Springfield, but were checked by Colonel Dayton, sup-
ported by General Maxwell^ and they fled in disorder.
General Washington considered this movement as a
feint in Sir Henry Clinton, to open the way for an attack
upon West Point. He accordingly detached General
Greene, at the head of a strong party, to watch the mo-
tions of the enemy. General Washington, learning from
General Greene, that Springfield was their object of des-
tination, sent forward a detachment to support General
.Greene.
The enemy advanced upon Springfield, at five in the
morning of the 23d of June. General Greene disputed
every pass valiantly, but obstinate bravery was constrained
to yield to superior numbers ; General Greene retired to
the high grounds, and the enemy gained the town, which
they destroyed.
The commander-in-chief, sensible of the worth afcd
talents of General Greene, returned the thanks of himself
and his suffering country, to him and the men under his
command. But this skirmish was not to pass offso lightly.
The militia rallied in considerable force, and drove the
enemy to Staten Island, in a precipitate retreat.
The Marquis La Fayette, who had been to France on
leave of absence, now returned to head quarters. He had
negotiated for supplies from the French government, and
an armament was soon to follow him. On the 10th of
July, the armament arrived at Newport, Rhode Island,
consisting of two ships of eighty guns, ofle of seventy-
four, four of sixty-four, twa frigates of forty, a cutter of
twenty, an hospital ship, pierced for sixty-four, one bomb-
ship, and thirty-two transports, under the command of
the Chevalier de Ternay. Also, four old regiments of land
forces, together with the legion of de Lauzern, and a bat-
talion of artillery ; in the whole, about 6000, under the
command of Lieut. General Count de Rochambeau.
214 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
General Heath received the count at his landing, and
put him and his troops in possession of the island, where
they were handsomely accommodated. The General
Assembly, then in session at Newport, by their special
committee, presented the count with a complimentary
address, to which the count replied, with assurances that
a much greater force would soon follow him, and that his
whole powers would be devoted to the service of the
United States.
" The French troops," added the count, " are under
the strictest discipline, and, acting under the orders of
General Washington, will live with the Americans as bre-
thren. I am highly sensible of the marks of respect shown
me by the Assembly, and beg leave to assure them that,
as brethren, not only my life, but the lives of the troops
under my command, are devoted to their service."
The marquis witnessed these respectful attentions to his
countrymen, and, in honour to our French allies, Wash-
ington directed, in his general orders, that black and white
cockades should be worn as a compliment.
But the wants of the country were pressing, and Con-
gress directed, that bills to the amount of twenty-five
thousand pounds sterling should be drawn on Dr. Frank-
lin, at the French court ; and that bills to the same amount
should be drawn on John Jay, minister at the court of
Spain, and that the money should be immediately applied
to the use of the troops.
After the fall of Charleston, Sir Henry committed the
care of the southern states to Lord Corn wall is, at the
head of four thousand men, and returned to New-York.
The arrival of the fleet under the Chevalier Ternay, at
Rhode Island, gave Admiral Arbuthnot considerable
alarm. His whole force amounted to but four ships of
the line. Bui0*he was joined by Admiral Graves, with
six line of battle ships, and felt himself secure from at-
tack in New- York. With this reinforcement Sir Henry
concerted an attack on the French fleet at Newport, and
immediately embarked eight thousand troops. The fleet
put into Huntington Bay, on Long Island. The country
was alarmed, and the militia turned out in force. But
General Washington made a diversion, by moving his
THE UNITED STATES. 215
whole force down to Kingsbridge, and threatening New-
York. The plan succeeded, and Sir Henry returned to
New- York in haste.
In the south, Lord Cornwallis, having settled the go-
vernment of South Carolina, prepared to subdue the re-
bellious spirit of the North Carolinians. This was seen
by Ihe Americans, and General Gates, with the shadow of
an army, moved across Deep River, on the 27th of July,
to watch the motions of the enemy. On the 6th of Au-
gust, he was joined by General Caswell, at the head of a
fine body of North Carolina militia, who were in good
spirits, but under bad discipline ; and he encamped at the
Cross Roads, on his way to Camden. On the 13th he
noved forward his army to Clermont, where he was
joined by Brigadier-General Stevens, with about seven
hundred Virginia militia. An express also arrived, in-
forming him that Colonel Sumpter would join him at Cam-
den with a detachment of South Carolina militia, and that
an escort of clothing, ammunition, and stores, was on its
way from Charleston to Camden, for the use of the garri-
son posted there.
General Gates immediately detached Lieutenant Colo-
nel Woodford, at the head of the Maryland line, consist-
ing of one hundred infantry, a company of artillery, with
two brass field pieces, and about three hundred North
Carolina militia, to join Colonel Sumpter, reduce the
forts, and intercept the convoy. General Gates prepared
to support Colonel Sumpter with his whole force ; total
about four thousand.
But Cornwallis had anticipated this movement, and en-
tered Camden the day previous, and an attack was medi-
tated on General Gates, in his camp at Clermont. Both
generals put their armies in motion early in the evening
of the 15th, and their advance parties met in the woods
about two o'clock in the morning of the 16th; a conflict
ensued, the Americans gave way in some disorder, but
they soon recovered, and a skirmishing continued through
the night.
When morning appeared, both generals made their dis-
positions to contest the field. An action commenced ;
the regular troops were firm, but the militia being over-
216 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
powered by the British bayonets, gave way, and dispersed
as they fled. The victory w r as complete, and the general
and his regulars were abandoned to their fate. Several
parties of militia, who were advancing to join the army,
turned their arms against the fugitives, and thus completed
the overthrow. The pursuit continued for more than
twenty miles, and the road was strewed with the frag-
ments of this routed army, together with the wounded,
the dead, and the dying. A party of horse, supported by
200 infantry, at the distance of more than eighty miles
from the scene of action, upon the first intelligence, aban-
doned their ground, and sought safety by flight.
The brave Baron de Kalb fell in this action, much and
deservedly lamented. He was at the head of the Mary-
land troops, and second in command. Congress ordered
that a monument should be raised to his memory at
Annapolis.
The advantages of this victory were not great. The
losses, and want of supplies, in a sickly season, compelled
Cornwallis to return to Camden.
General Greene now arrived, and succeeded General
Gates in the command of the southern army.
The country still continued to sufler by the ravages oi
Tarleton, who was detached, at the head of his cavalry, to
dislodge General Morgan from his position at the Cow-
pens.
He commenced his operations with his usual impe-
tuosity ; traversed the country for several days, laying
waste every thing in his course, until he arrived at Mor-
gan's position, and commenced an action with the same
impetuosity ; the Americans were dislodged with some
disorder, but they rallied to the charge, and were victori-
ous in turn. Tarleton was defeated, his army routed, his
artillery and baggage taken, and he, with the mounted fu-
gitives, fled to Lord Cornwallis, January ?th, 1781.
This defeat roused his lordship ; he commenced a pur-
suit, and the American* inured. General Greene had
the address to harass his iorqship, and yet avoid a general
action, until he arrived at Guilford, near the coniines of
Virginia, where he made a stand and gave him battle.
General Greene, with his little at iv, had hopes of sue-
THE UNITED STATES. 217
cess against his lordship's pursuing forces, though greatly
superior. The movements were well concerted, and well
executed, and the conflict was sharp and bloody ; but the
militia gave way, the regulars were overpowered, and
General Greene drew off his troops in good order, and
took a strong position.
The severity of the action occasioned his lordship to
make a retrograde movement to recover his losses.
Sir Henry had detached a fleet from New- York, with
fifteen hundred troops on board, to co-operate with Corn-
wallis. The troops were landed in Chesapeake Bay, and
committed the most alarming depredations. Ineffectual
attempts were made to dislodge them. A movement was
now made by General Greene towards South Carolina,
which had become an enemy's country. He boldly ad-
vanced, and gave battle to Lord Rawdon, who was in the
vicinity of Camden. A desperate contest ensued, and
victory was doubtful. Both withdrew from the conflict,
and left the field covered with the dead. Lord Rawdon
retired to Camden, and strengthened his position.
General Greene advanced, and by a desperate assault,
was on the point of carrying the strong fortress of Nine-
ty Six, the reduction of which would have recovered all
South Carolina, except Charleston.
At this critical moment, Lord Rawdon retired in person
to Charleston; put himself at the head of 1700 fresh
troops, then arrived from Ireland, and, by forced marches,
advanced to the relief of Ninety Six. The approach
of his lordship compelled General Greene to abandon the
assault, when engaged hand to hand with the enemy, and
when victory was ready to decide in his favour. The ge-
neral drew off his army towards Camden in good order,
and his lordship pursued ; but General Greene eluded his
lordship, by filing off towards Charleston, and taking a
strong position upon the hills of Santee. Lord Rawdon
retired to Charleston.
The war, during these operafl&ns in the south, raged
in Virginia, under the command of General Phillips,
through the month of April, and the ravages of the ene-
my exceeded ail description. At Petersburg, they de-
stroyed all the shioping, and about four hundred
19
218 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
heads of tobacco. At Osborn's Mills, they took two
ships and ten smaller vessels, laden with cordage, flour,
<fec. Four ships and a number of smaller vessels were
burnt or sunk, besides many others destroyed by the Ame-
ricans, to prevent their falling into the hands of the ene-
my, together with about three thousand hogsheads of to-
bacco, April 27. On the 30th, they penetrated to Man-
hester, destroyed 1200 hogsheads more, thence they pro-
ceeded to Warwick, and laid waste the shipping, both in
the river and on the stocks; also, extensive rope walks,
tanneries, warehouses, and magazines of flour, mills,
&c. in one general conflagration, and then embarked on
board their shipping.
The Baron Steuben opposed this party, but his force
was insufficient to make any serious impressions. The
Marquis La Fayette was detached with troops to succour
the town; but such was the state of the military funds,
that when he arrived at Baltimore, he was obliged to bor-
row two thousand guineas, on his own responsibility, to
enable him to proceed. On the strength of this, he ad-
vanced to Richmond, where he joined the baron, with the
Virginia militia, and covered Richmond. Here he watch-
ed the movements of the enemy, though too weak to
check all their operations. On the 9th of May, General
Phillips entered Petersburg, where he died on the 13th.
Of the sufferings of the southern army we may form
some estimate, by reading an extract of a letter from
General Greene to the marquis :
" You may depend upon it, that nothing can equal the
sufferings of our little army, but their merits. Let not
the love of fame get the better of your prudence, and
plunge you into a misfortune, in too eager a pursuit after
glory. This is the voice of a friend, not of a" general."
Lord Cornwallis had advanced from Guilford to Wil-
mington, and left General Greene in the rear. From Wil-
mington he advanc<?w! to join General Phillips, in Peters-
burg. The general was dead, but he found eighteen hun-
dred troops, and, being thus reinforced, he advanced to-
wards Richmond, in order to dislodge the marquis. Flush-
ed by recent triumphs, in a letter to Sir Henry, he thus
wrote, ' the boy cannot escape me." The marquis did
escape, however, and evacuated the place on th** 27th.
THE UNITED STATES. 219
On the 7th of June, General Wayne joined the marquis
with eight hundred of the Pennsylvania militia. While
on the march, however, supposing the main army of Corn-
wallis had crossed the River James, he attacked what he
supposed to be the rear guard, when, to his surprise, he
found the general at the head of the army ready to re-
ceive him. Finding no time was to be lost, he advanced
to the charge at the head of his column in gallant style.
The conflict was sharp, and, availing himself of his first
impression, he hastily withdrew, leaving the general as
much astonished as he found him. He retreated in good
order, without pursuit, as Cornwallis probably concluded
that it was an ambuscade. His lordship retired in the
night, and marched to Portsmouth.
CHAPTER XL
Treason of Arnold Major Andre taken.
Immediately after the fall of Charleston, in May, Sir
Henry Clinton returned to New- York to commence the
operations of the season.
About the middle of September, 1780, General Wash-
ington retired from head-quarters (near New- York) with
his suite, General Knox, and the Marquis La Fayette, to
meet Admiral Ternay, and Count Rochambeau, at Hart-
ford, '(Connecticut,) agreeable to appointment; and about
the 21st, the parties met accordingly. The avowed ob-
ject of their conference was to concert measures for the
reduction of New-York.
In the midst of this conference, an express arrived from
West Point, on the Hudson, announcing the traitorous
designs of General Arnold. The council was immediately
closed ; the parties retired, and General Washington wenf
to the relief of West Point. On his arrival, he found thtf
fortress dismantled, the cannon dismounted, and that
Arnold had fled, and taken refuge on board the British
sloop of war Vulture, then lying in the river.
Whilst his excellency was employed in repairing the
220 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
fortress, a prisoner was announced, who proved to be the
unfortunate Major Andre, who had volunteered his ser-
vices to Sir Henry Clinton, to negotiate the treacherous
design. His character was that of a spy ; his fate was
death ! Let us pass over this distressing scene. The
righteous sacrifice greatly interested the feelings, and
touched the sympathy of every American breast.
The feelings of General Washington upon this event-
ful occasion, may be seen in the following extract from
his private correspondence of October 1 3th :
" In no instance since the commencement of the war,
has the interposition of Divine Providence appeared more
remarkably conspicuous, than in the rescue of the fort
and garrison at West Point. Andre has met his fate, and
with that fortitude that was to have been expected from
an accomplished man, and a gallant officer ; but I am mis-
taken if Arnold is not undergoing, at this time, the tor-
ments of a mental hell." 1
In the month of October, 1780, Sir Henry Clinton de-
tached General Arnold on a marauding expedition, into
Virginia, with about 1600 men, and a number of armed
vessels ; he laid waste the country upon James River, in
several predatory excursions, until his progress was ar-
rested by the appearance of the French squadron from
Newport. This fleet put an end to the ravages of Ar-
nold, by capturing and destroying a very considerable
part of his fleet ; and would have caused the destruction
of the traitor, had not a British fleet appeared from New-
York, for the relief of Arnold, and by a naval engagement
off the capes of Virginia, with the French fleet, afforded
him an opportunity to escape to New-York. The French
returned to Newport.
On the 18th of December, the Chevalier Charles Louis
de Ternay, Knight of St. John of Jerusalem, late governor
of the Isles of France and Bourbon, and commander of
the French squadron in the American seas, died in New-
port, and was interred in Trinity church-yard the next
day, with military honours.
The frequent changes in the army, owing to short en-
listments ; the want of pay, clothing, provisions, &c.
had repeatedly distressed the army, and were at last ac-
THE UNITED STATES. 221
companied with the revolt of the Pennsylvania line, ex-
tfepting three regiments. In defiance of all the efforts of
General Wayne and all the other officers, they seized on
six field pieces, and took up their march for Princeton,
January, 1781.
Sir Henry Clinton, upon the first intelligence, made
some important movements from Staten Island, and sent
spies at the same time, to countenance and encourage the
revolters. A committee from congress visited the mu-
tineers at Princeton, with liberal assurances, to persuade
them to return to their duty ; but General Washington sent
a strong force, and compelled them to return. A general
arrangement was soon made to supply the armies, both
with foreign and domestic aid and resources.
On the 14th of May, information was given to Wash-*
ington, that Colonel Greene, with his whole detachment,
had been cut off by Delancy's troops, near Croton river,
about forty miles north of New- York. Colonel Greene
had been wounded and captured, and was afterwards mur-
dered, and Major Flagg was killed in his quarters.
About this period, General Washington wrote to the
governors of the northern states :
" On the calculations I have been able to form in con-
cert with the most experienced French and American offi-
cers, the operations in view, will require, in addition to
the French army, all the continental battalions from New-
Hampshire to New-Jersey, to be completed." He after-
wards added, " As we cannot count upon their being full,
and as a body of militia will also be necessary, I have
called upon several states to hold certain numbers in
readiness, to move within one week of the time I may
require them."
These despatches were intercepted, and gave consider
able alarm to Sir Henry, who renewed his exertions for
the defence of the city.
On the 14th of June, a junction was effected before New-
York, between General Washington, and a body of fif-
teen hundred French troops lately arrived in Boston.
On the 21st, General Washington wrote to the French
admiral at Newport, as follows : " I hope there will be
no occasion for a movement to the southward, for th*
19*
UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
want of force to act against New-York, as I flattered my-
self that the glory of destroying the British squadron at
New-York, is reserved for the king's fleet under your
command, and that of the land forces, at the same place,
for the allied armies."
On the evening of the 18th, precisely at eight o'clock,
the allied armies commenced a grand movement, and
marched from their encampments down to New- York, and
at four the next morning, they were drawn up in order
of battle, while General Washington and Count Rocham-
beau, with all the general officers and engineers, recon-
noitered the enemy's works throughout their whole line.
The next day they renewed their reconnoitering, and, in
the afternoon, drew off their troops and returned to their
encampments.
These movements, together with the removal of the
heavy cannon and mortars, left at Boston in 1776, across
the country to North River, and down to the army before
New- York ; as well as the intercepted correspondence,
confirmed Sir Henry Clinton in his fears, and led him to
withdraw a very considerable force from Lord Cornwallis,
for the defence of New- York.
At this eventful moment, Count de Grasse announced
his arrival in the Chesapeake bay, with a fleet of twenty-
four ships of the line, frigates, &c. The allied comman-
ders forwarded assurances that they would put their troops
in immediate motion, to co-operate with him.
Count de Grasse landed 3,300 troops, under the com-
mand of the Marquis de St. Simon, to reinforce the Mar-
quis la Fayette.
Monsieur de Barras, at the same time, sailed from
Newport with the French squadron, to join Count de
Grasse.
General Washington committed the command of the
forces before New-York to General Heath, and put him-
self at the head of the allied armies, and by a rapid move-
ment, marched to Philadelphia, and thence to the head of
the River Elk.
Sir Henry Clinton, in the mean time, despatched Ad-
miral Graves in quest of Count de Grasse. On the 5th of
September, he discovered the French fleet in Lynnhaven
THE UNITED STATES. 223
Bay. At sight of the English fleet, Count cle Grasse slip-
ped his cables, and put to sea, and at 4 o'clock an action
commenced. The French were victorious, and regained
the bay ; but the English retired to New-York to repair.
At this eventful moment, De Barras entered the bay
and joined De Grasse, who sent up their transports to
convey the allied armies down the bay. The allied com-
manders, at the same time, held an interview with the
Count de Grasse, on board the Ville de Paris, to settle the
plan of operations.
The allied armies, amounting to twelve thousand men,
formed a junction with the Marquis, while Lord Corn-
wallis fortified himself at Yorktown, in Virginia. The
militia of Virginia took the field under Governor Nelson,
and the movement seemed to portend some important re-
sults.
On the 27th of September, General Washington issued
the following orders. " If the enemy should be tempted
to meet the army on its march, the general particularly
enjoins it upon the troops to place their principal reliance
upon the bayonet, that they may prove the vanity of that
boast which the British make, of their peculiar prowess
in deciding battles with that weapon."
The next morning, the whole army encamped about a
mile from Yorktown, and lay on their arms through the
next night. At the earnest solicitations of the command-
er in chief and the marquis, Count de Grasse moved with
his fleet up to the mouth of York River, and closely invest-
ed Cornwallis.
On the 6th of October, the trenches of the allies were
opened upon his lordship, at the distance of 600 yards.
On the 9th, the American line began to play upon York-
town, with twenty-four eighteen and ten inch mortars,
which continued through the night. The next morning,
"tk? French opened a destructive fire from their batteries,
witnXU intermission, for about eight hours ; and on the
succeeVng night, a terrible fire was kept up from the
whole line, without intermission, until morning. The
horrors of this scene were greatly heightened by the con-
flagration of two British ships, set on fire by the shells of
the allies, and consumed in the night. The next morn-
224 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
ing, October llth, the allies opened their second parallel,
at the distance of two hundred yards, and another British
ship was consumed by their shells.
On the 14th, General Washington ordered two batta-
lions to advance to the second parallel, and begin a large
battery in the centre, and in advance. The enemy met
this movement with an incessant fire from two redoubts,
n advance of their works, as well as from their whole
line, that continued through the night.
General Washington detached the Marquis La Fayette
in the morning, at the head of the American light infan-
try, supported by the Baron Viominel, from the line of
the French, to advance and storm these redoubts, which
had so annoyed them through the night. Lieut. Col. Ha-
milton commanded the van of the corps of the Marquis
La Fayette. The redoubt was promptly carried by La
Fayette, at the point of the bayonet, but the captives
were spared. The Marquis sent his aid, Major Barbour,
through the whole line of the enemy's fire, to notify the
Baron Viominel of his success, and inquire where he was,
to which the Baron replied, " I am not in my redoubt,
but shall be in five minutes ;" in five minutes his redoubt
was carried.
General Washington was highly gratified with the suc-
cesa.of this exploit, and commended the officers and sol-
diers engaged in it, in the highest terms, in the following
general orders :
" The Marquis La Fayette's division will mount the
trenches to-morrow. The commander in chief congratu-
lates the allied army on the success of the enterprise, last
evening, against the two important redoubts on the left of
the enemy's works. He requests the Baron Viominel,
who commanded the French grenadiers, and the Marquis
La Fayette, who commanded the American light infantry,
to accept his warmest acknowledgments for the excel-
lence of their dispositions, and for their own gallant con-
duct on the occasion. And he begs them to present his
thanks to every individual officer, and to the men of their
respective commands, for the spirit and rapidity with
which they advanced to the points of attack assigned
them* and for the admirable firmness with which they
THE UNITED STATES. 225
supported them, under the fire of the enemy, without re-
turning a shot. The general reflects, with the highest
pleasure, on the confidence which the troops of the two
nations must hereafter have in each other ; assured of
mutual support, he is convinced there is no danger which
they will not cheerfully encounter, no difficulty which
they will not bravely overcome."
On the morning of the 16th, his lordship detached Lieu-
tenant Colonel Abercrombie, at the head of four hundred
men, upon a sortie, to destroy two batteries the allies had
erected in the night ; the enterprise succeeded, and he
spiked the cannon. The French suffered severely in the
defence of these works ; but the British gained no per-
manent advantage. On the afternoon of the same day,
the allies opened their batteries, covered with about one
hundred pieces of heavy cannon, and such was their de-
structive fire, that the British lines were soon demolished
and silenced. Alarmed for his safety, his lordship now
began to prepare to retire ; his boats were collected, and
a part of his army was embarked across to Gloucester
Point, opposite to Yorktown, then under the command of
Lieutenant Colonel Tarleton ; but a violent storm sud-
denly arose, which defeated the plan, and it was with the
greatest difficulty that his lordship could recover his
boats, and restore the division.
His lordship now seeing that all hope of succour or
escape was vain, and that there was no alternative, to
avoid the tremendous fire of the allies, but submission,
requested a parley on the 18th, for twenty-four hours,
and that commissioners might be appointed to arrange
articles of capitulation. General Washington consented,
and commissioners were appointed accordingly.* On
the 19th the articles were signed, and his lordship, with
the whole British army, marched out, prisoners of war
The ships were the conquest of France. The same terms
were prescribed by the commissioners to Lord Cornwallis,
that had been prescribed to General Lincoln at Charles-
* The commissioners on the part of the allies were the Viscount de
Noailles, and Lieutenant Colonel Laurens, whose father had been sent
out by congress, as minister to the court of Versailles, and who wag
captured on his passage by the British, and confined in the tower of
London, where he then remained in close confinement.
226 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
ton, just eighteen months before; he was refused the
honours of war, and General Lincoln was deputed to re-
ceive the sword of his lordship. Thus the mission of the
Marquis La Fayette to France, in the winter of 1779
1780, was consummated by the fall of the hero of the
south, at Yorktown.
The noble generosity of the French officers to those of
he British, after the capitulation, called forth the follow-
ing acknowledgment of his lordship :
" The deliberate sensibility of the officers of his most
Christian majesty towards our situation, their generous
and pressing offers of money, both public and private, to
any amount, has really gone beyond what I can possibly
describe."
Lord Cornwallis pressed hard for permission to em-
bark the British and German troops to Europe, under
suitable engagements, not to serve during the war ; also,
that the tories might be protected ; but both were refused.
His lordship was, however, indulged with the permission,
that the Bonetta sloop of war might pass unsearched ;
and many of the most obnoxious tories escaped from the
rage of their injured and insulted countrymen.
Seven thousand troops under the command of Earl
Cornwallis, with 1500 seamen, were the subjects of this
convention; together with one frigate of twenty-four
guns, besides transports, (twenty of which had been sunk
or otherwise destroyed,) seventy-five brass, and sixty-nine
iron ordnance, howitzers and mortars. Also a military
chest containing 2,113/. 6s. sterling, which, trifling as it
was, could not fail to be acceptable to the army.
His excellency, General Washington, closed this glori-
ous scene at Yorktown, by publishing to the army, both
officers and soldiers, in general orders, the grateful effu-
sions of his heart, and ordered the whole to be assembled
in divisions and brigades, to attend to divine service, and
render thanks to that God who had given them the victory.
Congress received the letter of General Washington
on the 24th, announcing the capture of the British army,
with the most cordial satisfaction, and immediately re-
solved to move in procession at 2 o'clock, to the Luthe-
ran church, and return thanks to Almighty God, for
THE UNITED STATES. 227
crowning with success the allied arms of America and
Prance. Congress next resolved, that a proclamation be
issued for the religious observance of the 13th of De-
cember, then next, as a day of public thanksgiving and
prayer, throughout the United States.
Thus joy, gratitude, and praise to God were united, and
became universal, and swelled with transports every pa-
triotic breast, throughout United America.
Congress resolved on the 29th, " That thanks be pre-
sented to General Washington, Count de~ Rochambeau,
Count de Grasse, and the officers of the different corps,
and the men under their command, for their services, in
the reduction of Lord Cornwallis."
They next resolved, " That a marble column be erect-
ed at Yorktown, adorned with emblems commemorative
of the alliance between the United States and his most
Christian Majesty, and inscribed w r ith a succinct account
of the surrender of the British army."
Congress next resolved, " That two stands of colours
be presented to General Washington, and two pieces of
ordnance be by him presented to Count de Rochambeau,
as trophies of their illustrious victory; and that the
Chevalier de la Luzerne, be requested to inform his most
Christian Majesty, that it was the wish of Congress that
Count de Grasse might be permitted to accept the same
testimonials with the Count de Rochambeau.
General Rochambeau, with his army, took up his win-
ter quarters in Virginia ; but the troops under the com-
mand of the Marquis de St. Simon were embarked for
the West Indies, and the American troops returned to
their former stations, excepting such cavalry and infantry
as were necessary to the service of General Greene ; these
were sent forward in November, under the command of
General St. Clair, toco-operate in the southern war.
The French fleet, under the Count x de Grasse, sailed at
the same time for the West Indies, and the operations of
the_season were generally closed.
His excellency, General Washington, retired to Phila-
delphia, to give repose to his mind, as well as to confer
with Congress upon the future exigencies of the nation.
One universal expression of gratitude and applause
228 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
burst forth from all parts of the country, to the allied he-
roes who fought under Washington, and triumphed over
Britain. Ministers at the altar, of all denominations,
caught the sacred flame, and the temples of Almighty
God resounded with gratitude and praise to his great name
throughout United America.
This signal and decisive victory over Cornwallis,
blasted the hope of the British government as regarded
the subjection of the revolted colonies to their former
allegiance. During nearly three months after the 12th
of December, 1781, motions were frequently made in
parliament for closing hostile operations against this
country. On the 4th of March, 1782, the commons re-
solved, " That the house would consider as enemies to
his majesty and to the country, all those who should ad-
vise or attempt the further prosecution of offensive war
on the continent of North America." As one earnest of
the sincerity of this resolution, the command of the Bri-
tish forces was taken from Sir Henry Clinton, and given
to Sir Guy Carleton, who was directed to advance the
wishes of the British government, for an accommodation
with the United States.
Agreeable to his instructions, Sir Guy proposed a cor-
respondence with congress, and solicited of the com-
mander in chief, a passport for his secretary. This was
however refused, as the United States had stipulated not
to negotiate without the consent of the French govern-
ment.
As soon as information of the capture of Cornwallis
was received at the French court, the government pro-
posed to congress the immediate appointment of com-
missioners to treat of peace. John Adams, Benjamin
Franklin, John Jay, and Henry Laurens, were according-
ly chosen. These were met by Mr. Fitzherbert, and Mr.
Oswald, at Paris, on the part of Great Britain. Provi-
sional articles were signed on the 30th of November,
1782, and the definitive treaty was concluded in Septem-
ber following.
On the 18th of April, General Washington announced
the cessation of hostilities between the two countries, in
the following general orders :
THE UNITED STATES. 229
"The Commander in Chief orders the cessation of hos-
tilities, between the United States of America and the
King of Great Britain, to be publicly proclaimed to-mor-
ro.v at twelve o'clock, at the New Building; and the pro-
clamation which will be communicated herewith, be read
to-morrow evening, at the head of every regiment and
corps of the army ; after which, the chaplains, with the
several brigades, will render thanks to Almighty God for
all his mercies, particularly for his overruling the wrath
of man to his own glory, and causing the rage of war to
cease among the nations.
" The Commander in Chief, far from endeavouring to
stifle the feeling of joy in his own bosom, ofiers his most
cordial congratulations on the occasion, to all the officers
of every denomination to all the troops of the United
States in general, and in particular to those gallant and
persevering men, who had resolved to defend the rights
of their invaded country so long as the war should con-
tinue ; for these are the men who ought to be considered
as the pride and boast of the American army, and who,
crowned with well-earned laurels, may soon withdraw
from the field of glory, to the more tranquil walks of civil
life.
" While the General recollects the almost infinite va-
riety of scenes through which we have passed with a mix-
ture of pleasure, astonishment, and gratitude while he
contemplates the prospects before us with rapture, he
cannot help wishing that all the brave men, of whatever
condition they may be, who have shared in the toils and
dangers of effecting this glorious revolution, of rescuing
millions from the hand of oppression, and of laying the
foundation of a great empire, might be impressed with a
proper idea of the dignified part they have been called to
act, under the smiles of Providence, on the stage of hu
man affairs ; for happy, thrice happy, shall they be pro-
nounced hereafter, who have contributed any thing, who
have performed the meanest office in erecting this stu-
pendous fabric of Freedom and Empire, on the broad
basis of independency ; who have assisted in protecting
the rights of human nature, and establishing an asylum for
the poor and oppressed of all nations and religions.
20
230 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
" The glorious task for which we first flew to arms,
being thus accomplished, the liberties of our country being
fully acknowledged and firmly secured, by the smiles of
Heaven on the purity of our cause, and the honest exer-
tions of a feeble people, determined to be free, against a
powerful nation disposed to oppress them ; and the cha-
racter of those who have persevered through every ex-
tremity of hardship, suffering; and danger, being immor-
talized by the illustrious appellation of the Patriot Army,
nothing now remains but for the actors of this mighty
scene to preserve a perfect, unvarying consistency of cha-
racter through the very last act ; to close the drama with
applause ; and to retire from the military theatre with the
same approbation of angels and men, which have crowned
all their former virtuous actions.
" For this purpose, no disorder or licentiousness must
be tolerated ; every considerate and well disposed sol-
dier must remember it will be absolutely necessary to
wait with patience, till peace shall be declared, or con-
gress shall be enabled to take proper measures for the
security of the public stores, &c. So soon as these ar-
rangements shall be made, the general is confident there
will be no delay in discharging, with every mark of dis-
tinction and honour, all the men enlisted for the war, who
will then have faithfully performed their engagements
with the public. The general has already interested him-
self in their behalf, and he thinks he need not repeat the
assurances of his disposition to be useful to them on the
present, and every other proper occasion. In the mean
time, he is determined that no military neglects or ex-
cesses shall go unpunished, while he retains the command
of the army.
" The adjutant-general will have such working parties
detailed to assist in making the preparation for a general
rejoicing, as the chief engineer, with the army, shall call
for, and the quarter-master-general will also furnish such
materials as he may want. The quarter-master-general
will, without delay, procure such a number of discharges
to be printed as will be sufficient for all the men enlisted
for the war ; he will please to apply at head-quarters for
the form. An extra ration of liquor to be issued to every
THE UNITED STATES. 231
man to-morrow, to drink perpetual peace, independence,
and happiness, to the United States of America"
It is not a little remarkable, that these general orders
of the commander-in-chief were read to the army, just
eight years from the battle of Lexington. The farewell
orders of the general were issued to the army on the 2d
of November, from which the following is a selection.
" A contemplation of the complete attainment, at a
period earlier than could have been expected, of the ob-
ject for which we contended, against so formidable a
power, cannot but inspire us with astonishment and gra-
titude. The disadvantageous circumstances on our part,
under which the war was undertaken, can never be for-
gotten. The signal interpositions of Providence, in our
feeble condition, were such as could scarcely escape the
attention of the most unobserving, while the unparalleled
perseverance of the armies of the United States, through
almost every possible suffering and discouragements for
the space of eight long years, was little short of a stand-
ing miracle." His closing words are, " and being now
to conclude these his last public orders, to take his ulti-
mate leave, in a snort time, of the military character, and
to bid adieu to the armies he has so long had the honour
to command, he can only again offer in their behalf his
recommendations to their grateful country, and his prayers
lo the God of armies. May ample justice be done them
here, and may the choicest of Heaven's favours, both
here and hereafter, attend those who, under the divine
auspices, have secured innumerable blessings for others !
With these wishes, and this benediction, the Commander
in Chief is about to retire from service. The curtain of
separation will soon be drawn, and the military scene to
him will be for ever closed."
The army was now disbanded by the proclamation 01
congress, of which Dr. Thatcher gives the following
sketch, with the parting scene between General Washing-
ton and his officers.
" Painful, indeed, was the parting scene ; no descrip
tion can be adequate to the tragic exhibition. Both offi
cers and soldiers, long unaccustomed to the affairs of pri-
vate life, turned loose on the world to starve, and to be-
UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
come a prey to vulture speculators. Never can that me-
lancholy day be forgotten, when friends, companions for
seven long years in joy and in sorrow, were torn asun-
der, without the hope of ever meeting again, and with
prospects of a miserable subsistence in future.
" Among other incidents peculiarly affecting on this oc-
casion, were the lamentations of women and children,
arnestly entreating that those with whom they had been
connected in the character of husband and father, would
not withdraw from them the hand of kindness and pro-
tection, and leave them in despair ; but, in several in-
stances, the reply was, l no, we took you as companions
during the war, and now we are destitute of the means
of support, and you must provide for yourselves.'
" November 2&th. The British army evacuated New-
York, and the American troops under General Knox
took possession of the city. Soon after, General Wash-
ington, and Governor Clinton, with their suite, made
their public entry into the city on horseback, followed by
the lieutenant governor, and the members of council, for
the temporary government of the southern district, four
abreast. General Knox, and the officers of the army,
eight abreast ; citizens on horseback, eight abreast the
speaker of the assembly, and the citizens on foot, eight
abreast. The governor gave a public dinner, at which
the commander in chief, and other general officers, were
present. The arrangements for the whole business were
so well made and executed, that the most admirable tran-
quillity succeeded through the day and night. On Mon-
day the government gave an elegant entertainment to the
French ambassador, the Chevalier de la Luzerne ; Gene-
ral Washington, the principal officers of New-York stale,
and of the army, and upwards of a hundred gentlemen,
were present. Magnificent fireworks, infinitely exceed-
ing every thing of the kind before seen in the United
States, were exhibited at the Bowling Green in Broad-
way, on the evening of Tuesday, in celebration of the
definitive treaty of peace. They commenced by a dove
descending with the olive branch, and setting fire to a
marron battery.
On Tuesday noon, December 4th, the principal officers
THE UNITED STATES. 233
of the army assembled at Francis' tavern, to take a final
leave of their much loved commander in chief. Soon
after his excellency entered the room. His emotions
were too strong to be concealed. Filling a glass, he turned
to them and said, ' With a heart full of love and gratitude,
I now take leave of you. I most devoutly wish that your
latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your for-
mer ones have been glorious and honourable.' Having
drank, he added, ' I cannot come to each of you to take
my leave, but shall be obliged to you, if each of you will
come and take me by the hand.' General Knox being
nearest, turned to him. Incapable of utterance, Wash-
ington, in tears, grasped his hand, embraced and kissed
him. In the same affectionate manner he took leave of
each succeeding officer. In every eye was the tear of dig-
nified sensibility, and not a word was articulated to inter-
rupt the eloquent silence and tenderness of the scene.
Leaving the room, he passed through the corps of light
infantry, and walked to White Hall, where a barge waited
to convey him to Paulus' Hook. The whole company
followed in mute and solemn procession, with dejected
countenances, testifying feelings of delicious melancholy,
which no language can describe. Having entered the
barge, he turned to me company, and, waving his hat,
bade them a silent adieu. They paid him the same affec-
tionate compliment, and, after the barge had left them, re-
turned in the same solemn manner to the place where they
had assembled. The passions of human nature were
never more tenderly agitated than in this interesting and
distressful scene."
Congress was now in session at Annapolis, to whom,
on the 23d of December, the commander in chief resign-
ed his .commission. " The governor, council, and legis
lature of Maryland, several general officers, the Consu*
General of France, and numerous citizens of Annapolis
were present. Congress were seated, and covered, as re-
presentatives of the sovereignty of the union ; the spec-
tators were uncovered, and standing. The general was
introduced to a chair by the secretary, who, after a
decent interval, ordered silence. A short pause ensued,
20*
234 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
when the honourable Thomas Mifflin, the president, in-
formed the general, that " the United States, in congress
assembled, were prepared to receive his communications."
On which he rose, with dignity, and delivered this ad-
dress :
" Mr. President The great events on which my resig-
nation depended, having at length taken place, I now have
the honour of offering my sincere congratulation to con-
gress, and of presenting myself before them, to surrender
into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim
the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country.
" Happy in the confirmation of our independence and
sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity afforded
the United States, of becoming a respectable nation, I
resign with satisfaction the appointment I accepted with
diffidence ; a diffidence in my abilities to accomplish so
arduous a task, which, however, was superseded by a
confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of
the supreme power of the union, and the patronage ot
Heaven.
"The successful termination of the war has verified the
most sanguine expectations, my gratitude for the inter-
positions of Providence, and the assistance I have received
from my countrymen, increase with every review of the
momentous contest.
" While I respect my obligations to the army in gene-
ral, I should do injustice to my own feelings, not to ac-
knowledge in this place, the peculiar services and distin-
guished merits of the persons who have been attached to
my person during the war. It was impossible the choice
of confidential officers, to compose my family, should
have been more fortunate. Permit me, Sir, to recommend
in particular, those who have continued in the services to
the present moment, as worthy of the favourable* notice
and patronage of congress. I consider it as an indispen-
sable duty to close this last solemn act of my official life,
by commending the interests of our country, to the pro-
tection of Almighty God, and those who have the super-
intendence of them to his holy keeping.
"Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire
from the great theatre of action ; and bidding an affec-
THE UNITED STATES. 235
donate farewell to this august body, under whose orders
I have long acted, I here offer my commission, and take
my leave of all the employments of public life."
When accepting his commission, congress, through
their president, expressed in glowing language to Wash-
ington, their high sense of his wisdom and energy, in con-
ducting the war to so happy a termination, and invoking
the choicest blessings upon his future life.
President Mifflin concluded as follows : " W r e join you
in commending the interest of our country to the protec-
tion of Almighty God, beseeching Him to dispose the
hearts and minds of its citizens to improve the opportu-
nity afforded them of becoming a happy nation. And
our prayers for you, sir, that your days may be happy,
and He will finally give you that reward which this world
cannot give."
CHAPTER XIII.
Of the Confederation. Formation and adoption of the
present Constitution of the United States.
ON the 12th of July, 1777, articles of confederation and
perpetual union were drawn up by congress, and ratified
Ijy twelve of the states in the December following. This
instrument was so imperfect as to be termed by some " a
rope of sand." Brittle as it was, however, it carried the
people through a perilous war, and what it lacked in ener-
gy, was supplied by the spirit of the times. But when
The olive branch of peace succeeded to the clarion of war
and the din of arms when private interest took prece
dence of public spirit, and intrigue usurped the place of
national virtue, the wants of the country called for a more
energetic compact, and the cause of republican America
required a more efficient safeguard.
To effect this object, a convention was proposed, which
held its session in Philadelphia. In this august body Ge-
neral Washington had a seat, and was chosen president.
On the 17th of September, 1787, the finishing hand was
236 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
put to the Constitution, which was submitted to the differ-
ent states, and ratified, at first, but by eleven, North Caro-
lina and Rhode Island refusing their assent. The former
assented to it in 1789, and the latter in 1790.
In 1789, General George Washington was elected first
president of the United States.
It was with great reluctance that he accepted this of-
fice. His feelings, as he said himself, were like those of
a culprit, going to the place of execution. But the voice
of a whole continent, the pressing recommendation of
his particular friends, and the apprehension that he
should otherwise be considered as unwilling to hazard
his reputation in executing a system which he had as-
sisted in forming, determined him to accept the appoint-
ment. In April he left Mount Vernon to proceed to
New-York, and- to enter on the duties of his high office.
He every where received testimonies of respect and love.
At Trenton, the gentler sex rewarded him for his success-
ful enterprise, and the protection which he afforded them
twelve years before. On the bridge over the creek,
which passes through the town, was erected a triumphal
arch, ornamented with laurels and flowers, and supported
by thirteen pillars, each encircled with wreaths of ever-
green. On the front of the arch was inscribed, in large
gilt letters,
THE DEFENDER OF THE MOTHER WILL BE THE PRO-
TECTOR OF THE DAUGHTERS.
At this place he was met by a party of matrons, leading
their daughters, who were dressed in white, and who,
with baskets of flowers in their hands, sung, with exqui-
site sweetness, the following ode, written for the occa-
sion :
Welcome, mighty chief, once more
Welcome to this grateful shore ;
Now no mercenary foe
Aims again the fatal blow,
Aims at THEE the fatal blow.
Virgins fair and matrons grave,
Those thy conq'ring 1 anns did save.
THE UNITED STATES. 237
Build for thf-e triumphal bowers ;
Strew, ye fair, his way with flowers,
Strew your HERO'S way with flowers.
At the last line, the flowers were strewed before him.
After receiving such proofs of affectionate attachment, he
arrived at New-York, and was inaugurated first President
of the United States, on the thirtieth of April. In ma
king the necessary arrangements of his household, he
publicly announced, that neither visits of business nor of
ceremony would be expected on Sunday, as he wished to
reserve that day sacredly to himself.
In an impressive address to both houses of Congress,
he declared, with characteristic modesty, his " incapacity
for the mighty and untried cares before him," and offered
his " fervent supplications to that Almighty Being whose
providential aid can supply every human defect, that his
benediction would consecrate to the liberties and happi-
ness of the people of the United States, a government
instituted by themselves for these essential purposes ; and
would enable every instrument, employed in its adminis-
tration, to execute, with success, the functions allotted to
his charge."
At the close of the revolution, the people anticipated
independence and peace ; but they were somewhat disap-
pointed ; debts, contracted during the war, bore heavily
upon the people.
To remedy these evils, Congress applied to the states
for a grant of the power to regulate commerce, and to
collect a revenue from it. New-York alone refused ; but
as unanimity was requisite, her single negative defeated
the project. In the mean time the distress increased,
and in Massachusetts, where it w r as the greatest, urged to
insurrection a portion of the inhabitants. Near the close
of the year 1786, they assembled to the number of two
thousand, in the northwestern part of the state ; and
choosing Daniel Shays for their leader, demanded that the
collection of debts should be suspended, and that the le-
gislature should authorise the emission of paper money
for general circulation.
Two bodies of militia, drawn from those parts of the
state where disaffection did not prevail, were immediately
238 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
despatched against them, one under the command of Ge-
neral Lincoln, and the other of General Shepherd. They
were easily dispersed ; and afterwards abandoning their
seditious purposes, accepted the proffered indemnity of
the government.
It was a question whether the general government
should be supported or abandoned, or whether the object
of the revolution should be realized or lost.
In May, 1787, commissioners were appointed and as-
sembled at Philadelphia ; George Washington was una-
nimously elected president. They deliberated with closed
doors, and happily it was agreed to sacrifice local interest
on the altar of public good.
An abstract of this constitution, with its several subse-
quent amendments, follows : it is extracted from Mr. Web-
ster's Elements of Useful Knowledge.
Of the Legislature. " The legislative power of the
United States is vested in a congress, consisting of two
houses or branches, a senate, and a house of representa-
tives. The members of the house of representatives are
chosen once in two years, by the persons who are qualified
to vote for members of the most numerous branches of
the legislature, in each state. To be entitled to a seat in
this house, a person must have attained to the age "of
twenty-five years, been a citizen of the United States for
seven years, and be an inhabitant of the state in which he
is chosen.
Of the Senate. " The senate consists of two senators
from each state, chosen by the legislature for six years.
The senate is divided into three classes, the seat of one of
which is vacated every second year. If a vacancy hap-
pens during the recess of the legislature, the executive of
the state makes a temporary appointment of a senator
until the next meeting of the legislature. A senator must
have attained to the age of thirty years, been a citizen of
the United States nine years, and be an inhabitant of the
state for which he is chosen.
Of the powers of the two Houses. " The house of re-
presentatives choose their own speaker, and other officers,
and have the exclusive power of impeaching public offi-
cers, and originating bills for raising a revenue. The
THE UNITED STATES. 239
vice-president of the United States is president of the
senate ; but the other officers are chosen by the senate.
The senate tries all impeachments ; each house determines
the validity of the elections and qualifications of its own
members, forms its own rules, and keeps a journal of its
proceedings. The members are privileged from arrest,
while attending on the session, going to, or returning from
the same, except for treason, felony, or breach of the
peace.
Of the powers of Congress. " The congress of the
United States have power to make and enforce all laws,
which are necessary for the general welfare as to lay
and collect taxes, imposts, and excises ; borrow money,
regulate commerce, establish uniform rules of naturaliza-
tion, coin money, establish post roads and post offices,
promote the arts and sciences, institute tribunals inferior
to the Supreme Court, define and punish piracy, declare
war and make reprisals, raise and support armies, pro-
vide a navy, regulate the militia, and to make all laws ne-
cessary to carry these powers into effect.
Of Restrictions. " No bill of attainder, or retrospec-
tive law, shall be passed ; the writ of habeas corpus can-
not be suspended except in cases of rebellion or inva-
sion ; no direct tax can be laid, except according to a
census of the inhabitants ; no duty can be laid on exports ;
no money can be drawn from the treasury, unless ap-
propriated by law ; no title of nobility can be granted,
nor an any public officer, without the consent of con-
gress, accept of any present or title from any foreign
prince or state. The states are restrained from emitting
bills of credit, from making any thing but gold or silver
a tender for debts, and from passing any law impairing
private contracts.
Of the Executive. " The executive power of the Uni
ted States is vested in a president, who holds his office foj
four years. To qualify a man for president, he must have
been a citizen at the adoption of the constitution, or must
be a native of the United States ; he must have attained
to the age of thirty-five years, and been fourteen years a
resident within the United States. The president and
vice-president are chosen by electors designated in such a
240 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
manner as the legislature of each state shall direct. The
numbers of electors, in each state, is equal to the whole
number of senators and representatives.
Of the powers of the President. " The president of
the United States is commander in chief of the army and
navy, and of the militia, when in actual service. lie
grants reprieves and pardons ; nominates, and, with the
consent of the senate, appoints ambassadors, judges, and
other officers; and, with the advice and consent of the
senate, forms treaties, provided two thirds of the senate
agree. He fills vacancies in offices which happen during
the recess of the senate. He convenes the congress on
extraordinary occasions, receives foreign ministers, gives
information to Congress of the state of public affairs,
and, in general, takes care that the laws be faithfully exe-
cuted.
Of the Judiciary. " The judiciary of the United States
consists of one supreme court, and such inferior courts as
the Congress shall ordain. The judges are to hold their
office* during good behaviour, and their salaries cannot
be diminished during their continuance in office. The ju-
dicial power of these courts extends to all cases in law
and equity, arising under the constitution or laws of the
United States, and under treaties ; to cases of public mi-
nisters and consuls ; to all cases of admiralty and mari-
time jurisdiction ; to controversies between the states, and
in which the United States are a party ; between citizens
of different states ; between a state and a citizen of an-
other state, and between citizens of the same state claim-
ing under grants of different states ; and to causes between
one of the states or an American citizen, and a foreign
state or citizen.
Of Rights and Immunities. " In all criminal trials,
except impeachment, the trial by jury is guaranteed to the
accused. Treason is restricted to the simple acts of le-
vying war against the United States, and adhering to their
enemies, giving them aid and comfort; and no person
can be convicted, but by two witnesses to the same act, or
by confession in open court. A conviction of treason is
not followed by a corruption of blood, to disinherit the
heirs of the criminal, nor by a forfeiture of estate, except
THE UNITED STATES. 241
during the life of the offender. The citizens of each
state are entitled to all privileges and immunities of citi-
zens in the several states. Congress may admit ne%v
states into the Union ; and the national compact guaran-
tees to each state a republican form of government, to-
gether with protection from foreign invasion and domes-
tic violence.
It has already been stated, that in April, 1789, General
Washington took the chair as the first president of the
United States, Messrs. Jefferson, Hamilton, and General
Knox, appointed secretaries, and Edmund Randolph, at-
torney-general.
The secretary of the treasury was directed to prepare
a plan for the support of public credit, and report the
same at their next meeting.
After the adjournment of congress, the president made
a tour through New-England, where he was received by
the inhabitants with an affection bordering on adoration.
People of all classes crowded to behold the man whose
virtues and talents exalted him, in their view, above the
heroes of ancient and modern times ; and to present to
him the undissembled homage of their grateful hearts.
But to none did his visit give more exquisite pleasure than
to the officers and soldiers of the " patriot army," who
had been his companions in suffering and in victory, who
were endeared to him by their bravery and fidelity in
war, and by the magnanimity with which, in peace, they
endured unmerited neglect and poverty.
At the next session of congress, which commenced in
January, 1790, Mr. Hamilton, the secretary of the trea-
sury, made his celebrated report upon the public debts
contracted during the- revolutionary war. Taking an
able and enlarged view of the advantages of public cre-
dit, he recommended that, not only the debts of the con-
tinental congress, but those of the states, arising from
their exertions in the common cause, should be funded
or assumed by the general government ; and that provi-
sion should be made for paying the interest, by imposing
taxes on certain articles of luxury, and on spirits distilled
within the country.
Upo this report, an animated debate took place. Its
21
242 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
recommendations were opposed by that party who had
seen, or thought they had seen, in the constitution, many
features hostile to freedom, and who remembered that
Mr. Hamilton, when a member of the convention, had
proposed that the president and senate should be ap-
pointed to hold their offices during good behaviour. They
now expressed their fears, that the assumption of these
debts would render the government still stronger, by
drawing around it a numerous and powerful body of pub-
lic creditors, who, in all the contests with the states or
the people, would be bound, by the strongest of all ties,
that of interest, to support it, whether right or wrong.
This party, existing principally in the southern states,
and professing an ardent attachment to the equal rights of
man, took the name of republican.
Mr. Madison proposed, that whenever the public se-
curities had been transferred, the highest price wnich
they had borne in the market should be paid to the pur-
chaser, and the residue to the original holder. After an
eloquent debate, this proposition was rejected. The party
denominated federal, and existing principally in the north-
ern states, supported throughout, with great ability and
force of reasoning, the plans of the secretary ; but on tak-
ing the vote in the house of representatives, they were
rejected by a majority of two.
Afterwards this national measure was connected, as is
too frequently the case in legislative bodies, with one
which had excited much local feeling. It was understood
that, should the seat of government be fixed for ten years
at Philadelphia, and afterwards permanently at a place to
be selected on the Potomac, some southern members
would withdraw their opposition to the funding system.
A law to that effect was accordingly enacted. The for-
mer discussion was then resumed. The plans of the se-
cretary were adopted in the senate, and afterwards in the
house, two members representing districts on the Potomac
changing their votes. The debt funded amounted to a
little more than seventy-five millions of dollars ; upon a
part of which three per cent., and upon the remainder six
per cent, interest was to be paid.
The effect of this measure was great and rapid. The
THE UNITED STATES. 343
price of the public paper, which had fallen to twelve or
fifteen cents on the dollar, suddenly rose to the sum ex-
pressed on the face of it. This difference was gained, in
most instances, by purchasers of the securities, who, feel-
ing indebted, for this immense accession of wealth, to the
plans of the secretary, regarded him with enthusiastic at-
tachment. But in others, this wealth, suddenly acquired
without merit, excited envy and dissatisfaction. These
joined the republican party ; who fancying they were wit-
nessing the fulfilment of their prediction, became more
active in their opposition.
The recommendation of the secretary to impose addi-
tional duties, was not acted upon until the next session
of congress. Those on distilled spirits were proposed in
order to render the burdens of the inhabitants beyond the
Allegany mountains, where no other spirits were con-
sumed, equal to those of the inhabitants on the sea coast,
who consumed most of the articles on which an impost
duty was paid. In the beginning of year 1791, they were
laid as proposed. A national bank, recommended also
by the same officer, was in the same year incorporated.
Both measures met a violent opposition from the republi-
can party.
When the new government was first organized, but
eleven states had ratified the constitution. Afterwards,
North Carolina and Rhode Island, the two dissenting
states, adopted it; the former in November, 1789, the
latter in May, 1790. In 1791, Vermont adopted it, and
applied to congress to be admitted into the union. The
territory of this state, situated between New-Hampshire
and New-York, was claimed by both, and both had made
grants of land within its limits.
In 1777, the inhabitants, refusing to submit to either,
declared themselves independent. Although not repre-
sented in the continental congress, yet, during the war,
they embraced the cause of their brethren in the other
states, and to them their aid was often rendered, and was
always efficient. Agreeably to their request, an act was
now passed, constituting Vermont one of the members of
the union. An act was also passed, declaring that the
district of Kentucky, then a part of Virginia, should be
244 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
admitted into the union on the first day of June, in th
succeeding year.
In 1791, was completed the first census or enumera-
tion of the inhabitants of the United States. They
amounted to 3,921,326, of which number 695,655 were
slaves. The revenue, according to the report of the
secretary of the treasury, amounted to 4,771,000 dollars,
the exports to about nineteen, and the imports to about
twenty millions. A great improvement in the circum-
stances of the people began at this period to be visible.
The establishment of a firm and regular government, and
confidence in the men whom they had chosen to adminis-
ter it, gave an impulse to their exertions, which bore them
rapidly forward in the career of prosperity.
In 1790, a termination was put to the war, which, for
several years, had raged between the Creek Indians and
the state of Georgia. Pacific overtures were also made
to the hostile tribes inhabiting the banks of the Scioto and
the Wabash. These being rejected, an army of 1400
men, commanded by General Harmer, was despatched
against them. Two battles were fought near Chilicothe,
in Ohio, between successive detachments from this army,
and the Indians, in which the latter were victorious.
Emboldened by these successes, they made more vigo-
rous attacks upon the frontier settlements, which suffered
all the distressing calamities of an Indian war. Addi-
tional troops were raised, and the command of the whole
was given to General St. Clair. With near 2000 men, he
marched, in October, into the wilderness. By desertion
and detachments, tbis force was reduced to fourteen hun-
dred men. On the third of November they encamped a
few miles from the villages on the Miami, intending to
remain there until joined by those who were absent.
But, before sunrise the next morning, just after the
troops were dismissed from the parade, they were attack-
ed unexpectedly by the Indians. The new levies, who
were in front, rushed back in confusion upon the regu-
lars. These, who had been hastily formed, were thrown
into disorder. They, however, with great intrepidity, ad-
vanced into the midst of the enemy, who retired from
covert to covert, keeping always beyond reach, and again
THE UNITED STATES. 245
returning as soon as the troops were recalled from pur-
suit. 1$ these charges, many brave and experienced offi-
cers were killed ; the loss of men was also great, and no
permanent impression was made upon the enemy.
At length, after a contest of three or four hours, St.
Clair, whose ill health disabled him from performing the
active duties of commander, determined to withdraw
from the field the remnant of his troops. The instant
that the directions to retire were given, a disorderly flight
commenced. Fortunately for the survivors, the victorious
Indians were soon recalled from pursuit to the camp, by
their avidity for plunder ; and the vanquished continued
their retreat unmolested to the frontier settlements.
In this battle, the numbers engaged on both sides were
supposed to be equal. Of the whites, the slaughter was
almost beyond example. Six hundred and thirty were
killed and missing, and two hundred and sixty were
wounded a loss which proves at once the obstinacy of
the defence, and the bravery of the assailants. On re-
ceiving information of this disaster, congress, resolving
to prosecute the war with increased vigour, made provi-
sion for augmenting, by enlistment, the military force of
the nation to 5000 men.
About the first of August, 1794, General Wayne ad-
vanced upon the banks of the Miami, at a distance of
about thirty miles from the enemy's fort, where he re-
ceived an additional force from Kentucky under the com-
mand of General Scott.
The general made one more effort to settle a peace with
the Indians, by inviting them to meet him in a council ; but
failing in this, he marched against them with his whole
force down the Miami, until he reached the rapids, when
his advanced guard, under Major Price, fell into an Indian
ambuscade. \
A rapid and vigorous charge roused the savages from
their coverts, and they were driven more than two miles
at the point of the bayonet. Broken and dismayed, they
fled without renewing the combat. The general returned
to his former station by easy marches, and laid waste the
Indian villages and cornfields.
By means of this victory over the Miamis, a general
21*
246 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
war with the Six Nations, and all the tribes northwest of
the Ohio, was prevented. The Americans had thirty-
three killed, viz. 1 captain, 1 lieutenant, 3 sergeants, 28
privates. Wounded 4 captains, 2 lieutenants, 1 ensign,
4 sergeants, 3 corporals, 2 musicians, 84 privates. Total,
one hundred.
We learn, by a deserter from the fort to General
Wayne, that a counsel of Indians was held a few days
after the defeat, in which the British agents endeavoured
to persuade them to risk another action ; but this they re-
fused to do, expressing a willingness to bury the bloody
hatchet, and return to their homes.
Their loss they declared to be 200 killed, besides a large
number wounded and missing.
The brave and heroic conduct of every officer and pri-
vate belonging to the American army, merit the approba-
tion of every American citizen.
In the autumn of 1792, General Washington was again
unanimously elected president of the American republic,
and in March, 1793, was inducted into office. Mr. Adams
was re-elected vice-president, in opposition to George
Clinton, of New-York. In the progress of these elec-
tions, but little party feeling was exhibited ; the repose of
society was not disturbed, but the citizens raised to posts
of the highest honour, those whom their judgments and
affections designated as the most worthy.
Early in April, information was received of the decla-
ration of war by France, against England and Holland.
The United States were greatly interested for the success
of France, which had assisted us during our revolution.
The French people, at the same time, regarded the
Americans as their brethren, bound to them by the ties of
gratitude ; and when the kings of Europe, dreading the
establishment of republicanism in her borders, assembled
in arms to restore monarchy to France, she looked across
the Atlantic for sympathy and assistance. The new go-
vernment, recalling the minister whom the king had ap-
pointed, despatched the citizen Genet, of ardent temper,
and a zealous republican, to supply his place. In April,
1793, he arrived at Charleston, in South Carolina, where
he was received, by the governor and the citizens, in a
THE UNITED STATES. 347
manner expressive of their warm attachment to his coun-
try, and their cordial approbation of the change in her
institutions.
Flattered by his reception, and presuming that the na-
tion and the government were actuated by similar feel-
ings, he assumed the authority of expediting privateers
from that port to cruise against the vessels of nations who
were enemies to France, but at peace with the United
States, a procedure forbidden by the laws of nations, and
derogatory to the government of the country. Notwith-
standing this illegal assumption of power, he received, on
his journey to Philadelphia, extravagant marks of public
attachment; and, on his arrival there, "crowds flocked
from every avenue of the city, to meet the republican
ambassador of an allied nation." Intoxicated by these
continued and increased demonstrations of regard, he per-
sisted in forming and executing schemes of hostility
against the enemies of France.
Mr. Hammond and the American cabinet disapproved
of these proceedings, and laid them before the president,
who appealed to the French government, and they re-
solved that Genet should be succeeded by Mr. Fauchet,
and Mr. Monroe was sent out to France to succeed Mr.
Morris. The first day of January, 1794, Mr. Jefferson,
the secretary, resigned, and was succeeded by Edmund
Randolph.
Ever since the peace of 1783, the United States and
Great Britain complained of each other as violating the
stipulation contained in the treaty. The latter was accu-
sed of carrying away negroes, and the former for pre-
venting the loyalists from regaining possession of their
estates, and British subjects from recovering the debts
contracted before the commencement of hostilities. Mr.
John Jay was appointed envoy extraordinary to the court
of Great Britain, and succeeded in negotiating a treaty
with the court of St. James, in June, 1795.
Mr. Hamilton retired from the office of secretary, and
was succeeded by Oliver Wolcott, of Connecticut.
As the time for a new election of president approached,
Washington signified his intention to retire from public
life, and published, at the same time, his farewell addrew
848 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OP
CHAPTER XIV.
Adams's Administration.
In February, 1797, John Adams was declared to be
elected president for the term of four years, commencing
4th of March, and Mr. Jefferson, vice-president. Wash-
ington retired to Mount Vernon, having established his
fame as the greatest hero, and most distinguished states-
man of the age. He there devoted his time to the culti-
vation of an extensive farm, and to the enjoyment, once
more, of the sweets of private life.
March 4th, Mr. Adams entered upon the duties of his
office. The numerous tribes of Indians on the western
territories, had been taught, by arms and justice, to re-
spect the United States, and continue at peace. Trea-
ties had been formed with Algiers and Tripoli, so that the
Mediterranean was opened to American vessels.
The administration of Mr. Adams was met at the
threshold, by open indignity on the part of France, in
her refusing to accept Mr. Pinckney in exchange for Mr.
Monroe. This refusal roused the sensibilities of Mr.
Adams, and he immediately nominated two others, Mr.
Marshall and Mr. Gerry, who were sent out to France to
co-operate with Mr. Pinckney, if possible, to settle an
accommodation with the directory.
To command the armies of the United States, Presi-
dent Adams, with the unanimous advice of the senate, ap-
pointed George Washington. He consented, but with
great reluctance, to accept the office ; declaring, however,
that he cordially approved the measures of the govern-
ment.
No opportunity was presented of testing the skill and
courage of the American troops. At sea, a desperate ac-
tion was fought between the frigate Constellation, of 38
guns, commanded by Commodore Truxton, and the
French frigate L'Insurgente, of 40 guns. The latter, al-
though of superior force, was captured. The same in-
trepid officer, in a subsequent action, compelled another
French frigate of 50 guns to strike her colours, but she
afterwards escaped in the night.
THE UNITED STATES. 249
The United States, in arms at home, and victorious on
the ocean, commanded the respect of their enemy.
The directory made overtures of peace. The president
immediately appointed ministers, who, on their arrival at
Paris, found the executive authority in the possession of
Bonaparte as first consul. They were promptly accredit-
ed, and in September, 1800, a treaty was concluded satis-
factory to both countries.
While this negotiation was in progress, the whole
American people were overshadowed with gloom, by the
sudden death of the father of his country. On the 14th
of December, 1799, after an illness of one day only, Ge-
neral Washington expired. Intelligence of this event, as
it rapidly spread, produced spontaneous, deep, and unaf-
fected grief, suspending every other thought, and absorb-
ing every different feeling.
Congress, then in session at Philadelphia, immediately
adjourned. On assembling the next day, the House of
Representatives resolved, " that the speaker's chair should
be shrouded in black, and the members wear black during
the session ; and that a joint committee should be ap-
pointed to devise the most suitable manner of paying ho-
nour to the memory of the MAN, first in war, first in peace,
and first in the hearts of his countrymen."
The senate, on this melancholy occasion, addressed a
letter of condolence to the president of the United States.
" This event," they observe, " so distressing to all our
fellow citizens, must be particularly heavy to you, who
have long been associated with him in deeds of patriotism.
Permit us, sir, to mingle our tears with yours. On this
occasion, it is manly to weep. To lose such a man, at
such a crisis, is no common calamity to the world. Our
country mourns a father. The Almighty Disposer of hu-
man events has taken from us our greatest benefactor and
ornament. It becomes us to submit with reverence to
HIM who maketh darkness his pavilion.
" With patriotic pride we review the life of our
WASHINGTON, and compare him with those of other
countries who have been pre-eminent in fame. Ancient
and modern names are diminished before him. Greatness
and guilt have too often been allied ; but his fame is
250 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
whiter than it is brilliant. The destroyer of nations
stood abashed at the majesty of his virtues. It reproved
the intemperance of their ambition, and darkened the
splendour of victory.
" Such was the man whom we deplore. Thanks to God,
his glory is consummated. Washington yet lives on earth
in his spotless example his spirit is in heaven. Let his
countrymen consecrate the memory of the heroic general,
the patriotic statesman, and the virtuous sage : let them
teach their children never to forget that the fruits of his
labours, and of his example, are their inheritance."
Agreeably to the report of the committee, and the una-
nimous resolves of congress, a funeral procession moved
from the legislative hall to the German Lutheran Church,
where an oration was delivered by General Lee, a repre-
sentative from Virginia. The procession was grand and
solemn, the oration impressive and eloquent. Through-
out the union similar marks of affliction were exhibited.
A whole bereaved people appeared in mourning. In every
part of the republic, funeral orations were delivered, and
the best talents of the nation were devoted to an expres-
sion of the nation's grief.
In 1800, congress removed from Philadelphia to a place
which had been previously selected ; and public buildings
were erected on the Potomac, a few miles above Mount
Vernon, to which the name of Washington was given, and
congress commenced its session for the first time at this
place in November.
President Adams' first term was drawing nigh to a
close, and the people were to give their votes for the next
president.
The federalists supported Mr. Adams, and General
Pinckney ; the republicans, Mr. Jelferson and Colonel
Burr.
The strife of the two parties during the time of elec-
tioneering, was spirited. Mr. Jefferson and Mr. Burr re-
ceived a very small majority, and their votes were equal,
each having seventy-three. The house of representatives
was called to make a decision. After thirty-five trials,
Mr. Jefferson was chosen president, and Mr. Burr vice-
president. At this period the population amounted to
THE UNITED STATES. 251
5,319,763, having increased about one million four hun-
dred thousand, in ten years.
Mr. Jefferson entered upon the duty of president
March 4th, 1801. Mr. Jefferson took a bold and decided
stand, as may be seen by the following extract from his
message :
" Equal and exact justice to all men, of whatever state
or persuasion, religious or political, peace, commerce,
and honest friendship, with all nations, entangling alli-
ances with none ; the support of the state governments
in all their rights, as the most competent administration
for our domestic concerns, arid the surest bulwarks against
anti-republican tendencies : the preservation of the ge-
neral government in its whole constitutional vigour, as the
sheet anchor of our peace at home, and safety abroad:
a jealous care of the right of election by the people, a
mild and safe corrective of abuses which are lopped by
the sword of revolution where peaceable remedies are
unprovided : absolute acquiescence in the decisions of
the majority, the vital principle of republics, from which
is no appeal but to force, the vital principle, and im-
mediate parent of despotisms : a well-disciplined militia,
our best reliance in peace, and for the first moments of
war, till regulars may relieve them : the supremacy of
the civil over the military authority : economy in the
public expense, that labour may be lightly burthened.
" The honest payment of our debts, and sacred preser-
vation of the public faith : encouragement of agricul-
ture, and of commerce as its hand-maid : the diffusion
of information, and arraignment of all abuses at the bar
of public reason : freedom of religion ; freedom of the
press ; and freedom of person, under the protection of
the habeas corpus : and trial by juries impartially se-
lected." " These principles," added Mr. Jefferson,
" should be the creed of our political faith and should
we wander from them in moments of error or of alarm,
let us hasten to retrace our steps, and to regain the road
which alone leads to peace, liberty, and safety."
In 1802, Ohio was admitted as an independent state
into the union. It derived its name from the River Ohio,
which sweeps the southern border of the state, Louisi-
UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
ana was purchased by the United States in April, 1803
for the sum of fifteen millions of dollars.
The Tripolitan cruisers continued to harass the ves-
sels of the United States, and congress determined to act
with greater vigour against them. Accordingly, a squad-
ron was fitted out, and the command given to Commodore
Preble. On arriving before Tripoli, Captain Bainbridge,
in the frigate Philadelphia, of 44 guns, was sent into the
harbour to reconnoitre. While in eager pursuit of a smab
vessel, he unfortunately advanced so far that the frigate
grounded, and all attempts to remove her were in vain.
The sea around her was immediately covered with Tripo-
litan gun-boats, and Captain Bainbridge was compelled to
surrender. The officers w r ere considered as prisoners of
war ; but the crew, according to the custom of Barbarv
were treated as slaves.
At the capture of this frigate, the enemy rejoiced and
exulted beyond measure. Lieutenant Stephen Decatur
conceived the design of retaking, or destroying her.
Commodore Preble, applauding the spirit of the youthful
hero, granted him permission to make the attempt. In
February, 1804, he sailed from Syracuse, in a small
schooner, having on board but seventy-six men, entered
undiscovered the harbour of Tripoli, x and, advancing
boldly, took a station alongside the frigate. Perceiving
the crew in consternation, Decatur sprang on board, his
men followed, and, with drawn swords, rushed upon the
enemy. The decks were soon cleared, some being killed,
and others driven into the sea.
A heavy cannonade upon the frigate, from the batte-
ries on shore, and the corsairs near, was now commenced,
and several vessels of war were seen approaching. She
was set on fire and abandoned, none of the party being
killed, and but four wounded. Throughout all the pira-
tical states, this brilliant exploit exalted the reputation of
the American arms. The president, in reward of his ad-
dress and bravery, promoted Lieutenant Decatur to the
rank of post-captain in the navy.
The Bashaw, who might well be compared to the toad
which wished to swell itself to the size of an ox, reposed
in fancied security. He cast a malignant glance at the
THE UNITED STATES. 253
little squadron in which Decatur was one of the distin-
guished leaders. He saw in the bay, spreading before his
city, his batteries, and his castles, a noble American fri-
gate, (the Philadelphia,) and the pride of the American
navy, upon which the " star spangled banner" once tri-
umphantly waved, now added to his naval force, manned
by a double crew of Tripolitans, and Avith the Turkish
crescent waving on its mast. He saw its once gallan
crew, miserable slaves in his own gloomy dungeons ; and,
in anticipation, feasted his cannibal appetite upon all the
victims which the American squadron could add to his
list of Christian slaves.
The American squadron obliged the Bashaw to smell
their powder, and taste their lead, so frequently, that he
was obliged to offer favourable terms of peace, which
were accepted, and the war in the Mediterranean ended.
In June, 1804, Colonel Burr challenged Mr. Hamilton
to settle some trifling offence by a duel, in which the lat-
ter was killed.
This year Mr. Jefferson was re-elected president, and
George Clinton, vice-president ; and their term of office
commenced in March, 1805. This year Michigan be-
came a government of the United States, and General
Hull was appointed by Mr. Jefferson the first governor.
Burr, notwithstanding his brilliant talents, now sunk,
for a time, into merited obscurity. His future conduct
showed, however, that, while unobserved by his fellow-
citizens, he had not been idle. In the autumn of 1806,
his movements in the western country attracted the no-
tice of government. He had purchased and was build-
ing boats on the Ohio, and engaging men to descend that
river. His declared purpose was to form a settlement
on the banks of the Washita, in Louisiana ; but the cha-
racter of the man, the nature of his preparations, and the
incautious disclosures of his associates, led to the suspi-
cion that his true object was either to gain possession of
New-Orleans, and erect into a separate government the
country watered by the Mississippi and its branches, or
to invade, frorr the territories of the United States, the
rich Spanish province of Mexico.
From the first moment of suspicion, he was closely
22
254 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
watched by the agents of the government. At Natchez,
while on his way to New-Orleans, he was cited to appear
before the supreme court of the Mississippi territory.
But he had so enveloped his projects in secrecy, that suffi-
cient evidence to convict him could not be produced, and
he was discharged. Hearing, however, that several per-
sons, suspected of being his accomplices, had been arrest-
ed at New-Orleans and elsewhere, he fled in disguise frorr
Natchez, was apprehended on the Tombigbee, and con-
veyed a prisoner to Richmond. Two indictments were
found against him, one charging him with treason against
the United States, the other with preparing and commen-
cing an expedition against the dominions of Spain.
In August, 1807, he was tried upon those indictments,
before John Marshall, the chief justice of the United
States. Full evidence of his guilt not being exhibited, lie
was acquitted by the jury. The people, however, be-
lieved him guilty ; and by their desertion and contempt,
he was reduced to a condition of the most abject wretch-
edness. The ease with which his plans were defeated,
demonstrated the strength of the government ; and his
fate will ever be an impressive warning to those who. in
a free country, listen to the suggestions of criminal ambi-
tion.
In June, 1807, an event occurred, which, for a time,
concentrated upon one of the several nations the whole
weight of popular indignation.
On the 22d of June, the Chesapeake weighed anchor
and proceeded to sea. She passed the British ships Bel-
lona and Melampus, lying in Lynnhaven bay, whose ap-
pearance was friendly. There were two other ships that
lay off*Cape Henry, one of which, the Leopard, Captain
Humphreys, weighed anchor, and in a few hours came
alongside the Chesapeake.
A British officer immediately came on board,- and de-
manded the deserters. To this, Captain Barron replied,
that he did not know of any being there, and that his duty
forbade him to allow or any muster of his crew, except
by their own omcera.
During this imerview, Barron noticed some proceed-
ings of a hostile nature on board the adverse ship, but
THE UNITED STATES. 255
he could not be persuaded that any thing but menace was
intended by them. After the British officer departed, he
gave orders to clear his gun deck, and after some time,
he directed the men to their quarters secretly, and with-
out beat of drum; still, however, without any serious ap-
prehensions of an attack.
Before these orders could be executed, the Leopard
commenced a heavy fire. This fire unfortunately was
very destructive. In about thirty minutes, the hull, rig-
ging, and spars of the Chesapeake were greatly damaged,
three men were killed, and sixteen wounded ; among the
latter was the captain himself. Such was the previous
disorder, that during this time, the utmost exertions were
insufficient to prepare the ship for action, and the captain
thought proper to strike his colours.
The British captain refused to accept the surrender of
the Chesapeake, but took from her crew, Ware, Martin,
and Strachan, the three men formerly demanded as de-
serters, and a fourth, John Wilson, claimed as a runaway
from a merchant ship.
This insolent attack upon a national ship, this wanton
exercise of a claim derogatory to national honour, aroused
the spirit of the republic. The distinctions of party were
forgotten ; numerous meetings of the citizens w r ere held,
and all concurred in the expression of a determination to
support the government of their country in its efforts to
obtain, whether by negociation or war, satisfaction for
this insulting outrage.
The president, by proclamation, prohibited all British
ships of war from continuing in or entering the harbours
of the United States. He sent instructions to the minister
at London to demand satisfaction for the insult, and se-
curity against future aggression. He summoned congress
to meet and decide what further measures should be adopt-
ed. The British government, promptly disavowing the
act of its officer, the hostile feelings which had been ex-
cited began to subside ; but delaying to render satisfaction,
and refusing to adopt adequate measures to prevent a con-
tinuance of aggression, they were not extinguished nor ap-
peased.
On the 6th of November following, the Emperor Napo-
256 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
leon issued his Berlin decree, which declared all the Bri-
tish isles in a state of blockade. This decree was in direct
violation of the treaty between France and the United
States, as well as of the law of nations.
On the 7th of January, 1807, the British government
met this decree by an order in council, declaring " all
vessels coasting from one port to another on the coast of
France, or that ef her allies, liable to seizure and condem-
nation."
On the llth of November, Great Britain repeated her
orders in council, by way of retaliation upon the French
decrees, " declaring all nations at war with Great Britain,
and all ports from which the British flag is excluded, to be
under the same restrictions in point of trade and naviga-
tion, as if the same were in a state of blockade."
To retaliate upon Great Britain for her orders in council,
the French emperor issued his Milan decree, declaring
" all vessels denationalized, which shall have submitted
to a search from a British ship, and every vessel a good
prize, which shall sail to or from Great Britain, or any of
her colonies or countries occupied by British troops,"
December 17th, 1807.
On the 22d, congress laid an indefinite embargo.
Thus balanced, America began to feel more immediately
the convulsions of Europe, and to find herself involved in
the contest. One grand system of intrigue now pervaded
all Christendom, and paved the way for the calamities that
followed.
Mr. Jefferson, being desirous of confirming the example
of Washington, declined a re-election. James Madison
was elected president, and George Clinton re-elected vice-,
president, March, 1809.
Great Britain continued to violate the laws of peace
She had ships of war stationed before the principal bar
bours- of the United States. American merchantmen
were boarded, searched, and many of them sent to British
ports as legal prizes.
Commodore Rodgers, commanding the frigate Presi-
dent, was fired upon by the British sloop of war Little
Belt, of 18 guns ; but the President being a superior force,
the Little Belt was soon silenced with considerable loss.
THE UNITED STATES. . 357
Congress, in November, 1811, passed a law to increase
the regular army to 35,000 men ; empowered the presi-
dent to accept the services of volunteers, and to borrow
eleven million dollars.
Congress continued to make preparations for war, yet
still cherishing the hope, that a change of policy in Eu-
rope would render unnecessary an appeal to arms. On
the 20th of May, 1812, the Hornet arrived from London,
bringing information that no prospect existed of a favour-
able change. On the first of June, the question in con-
gress was, whether they should continue to endure their
wrongs, or resort to arms.
The British government had been told, in plain terms,
that if they continued to drag the American seamen from
their ships, and rob the vessels of their goods, war would
be inevitable.
Congress, after sitting a number of days with closed
doors, declared war against Great Britain, on the 18th of
June, 1812; and, on the following day, war was publicly
proclaimed.
The president was authorized to receive 50,000 volun-
teers, and to call out one hundred thousand militia. Go-
vernor Hull, at the head of about two thousand men, was
on his march to Detroit, with a view of putting an end to
the Indian hostilities, when he received information of the
declaration of war. This little army marched to Spring
Wells, within a few miles of Detroit, July 5th ; there
they had some small skirmishes with the Indians, but soon
compelled them to retire, and Hull proceeded, without
molestation, to Sandwich. Here he was met by a supe-
rior force, under the command of General Brock. Gene-
ral Hull hastened back to Detroit.
On the 14th, the British took a position opposite to De-
troit, and erected batteries. The next day they began a
cannonade upon the American fortifications, which was
returned with precision and effect. On the 16th, the
enemy crossed the river, taking post about three miles
above the town, and advanced towards the fort in close
columns, twelve deep. The hearts of our soldiers now
beat high at their approach, expecting to regain their cre-
22*
258 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
dit. But who can describe the chagrin and mortification
which took possession of these troops.
At the very moment the destruction of the enemy was
certain, orders were given not to fire. The troops were
ordered to stack their arms, and, to the astonishment of
all, a white flag, in token of submission, was suspended
from the walls. Words are wanting to express the feel-
ings of the Americans on this occasion ; they considered
themselves basely betrayed, in thus surrendering to an
inferior force, without firing a gun, when they were firmly
convinced the enemy were in their power.
General Hull was exchanged for thirty British prison-
ers, brought before a court martial, charged with treason,
cowardice, and unofficer-like conduct, was sentenced to
death. The sentence was remitted by the president, but
his name was ordered to be struck from the rolls of the
army. While the nation was overspread with gloom in
consequence of this disaster, they were suddenly consoled
in the most pleasing manner. A new and glorious era
burst upon our country, and upon the world.
At the moment of the declaration of war, a squadron
under Commodore Rodgers, had rendezvoused under the
order of the government, off Sandy Hook, consisting of
the frigates President, Congress, United States, and the
brig Hornet. On the 21st of June they put to sea, in
pursuit of a British squadron, which had sailed as the
convoy of the West India fleet the preceding month.
While thus engaged, the British frigate Belvitlera was dis-
covered, to which they instantly gave chase. The chase
was continued from early in the morning until past four
in the afternoon, when the President, outsailing the oth^r
vessels, had come within gun shot, she opened a fire with
her bow guns, intending to cripple the Belvidera, which
returned it with her stern-chasers.
The firing was kept up for ten minutes, when one of the
guns of the President burst, killed and wounded sixteen
men, and fractured the leg of the commodore. By this ac-
cident, and the explosion of the passing box, the decks
were so much shattered, as to render the guns on that side
useless. The ship was then put about, and a broadside fired,
but without the desired effect, though considerable injury
THE UNITED STATES. 359
was done the Belvidera. This vessel, having thrown
overboard every thing she could spare, now gained ground.
The chase was continued until eleven o'clock at night, be-
fore it was deemed hopeless. The squadron then con-
tinued in pursuit of the convoy, which it did not give over
until within sight of the British channel ; then stood for
the island of Madeira, and thence passing the Azores,
stood for Newfoundland, and thence by Cape Sable, ar-
rived at Boston the 30th of August, having made prize of
several British vessels ; but owing to the haziness of the
weather, they were less successful than might have been
expected.
The frigate Essex went to sea from New-York, on the
third of July; the Constitution sailed from the Chesa-
peake on the 12th ; the brigs Nautilus and Vixen were at
the same time cruising off the coast ; the sloop of wai
Wasp was at sea, on her return from France.
The Constitution, Captain Hull, had sailed from An-
napolis on the 5th of July. On the morning of the 17th,
off Egg Harbour, she was chased by a ship of the line,
the Africa, and the frigates Shannon, Guerriere, Belvi-
dera, and ^Eolus. These vessels were approaching ra-
pidly, with a fine breeze, while it was nearly a calm about
the Constitution. At sunrise the next morning, escape
from the enemy was almost hopeless, as they were then
within five miles. The Constitution was therefore cleared
for action, determined to make a desperate resistance.
The enemy still drawing near, Captain Hull resolved to
make another effort to escape. Boats were sent ahead,
with anchors, for the purpose of warping ; there prevail-
ing almost a calm. The others finding the Constitution
gaining upon them, resorted to the same expedient. The
chase continued in this manner for two days, partly sail
ing with light breezes, and partly warping, until the 20th,
when the squadron was left entirely out of sight. This
escape, from so great a disparity of force, was considered
as deserving a high rank in naval exploits, and was much
admired at the time, as evincing superior nautical skill.
The advantage to the British, in this chase, was consider-
able, when we reflect that their foremost vessel had the
assistance of all the boats of the squadron, for the pur-
260 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
pose of towing. The superiority of Captain Hull was
that of seamanship alone. This superiority was some-
time afterwards proved in a most remarkable manner ;
while naval history lasts it will not be forgotten.
The Constitution again put to sea, on the second of
September. On the nineteenth, a vessel hove in sight,
and a chase instantly commenced. It was soon disco-
vered to be the Guerriere, one of the best frigates in the
British navy, and which seemed not averse from the ren-
contre, as she backed her maintopsail, waiting for the Con-
stitution to come down. This was a most desirable oc-
currence to our brave tars, as this frigate had for some
time been in search of an American frigate, having given
a formal challenge to all our vessels of the same class.
She had at one of her mast heads a flag, on which her
name was inscribed in large characters, by way of gas-
conade, and on another, the words " not the Little Belt,"
in allusion to the broadsides which the President had gi-
ven that vessel before the war.
The Guerriere had looked into several of our ports, and
affected to be exceedingly anxious to earn the first laurel
from the new enemy. The Constitution being made rea-
dy for action, now bore down, her crew giving three
cheers. At first it was the intention of Captain Hull to
bring her to close action immediately ; but on coming
within gunshot, she gave a broadside and filled away, then
wore, giving a broadside on the other tack, but without
effect. They now continued wearing, and manoeuvring
on both sides, for three quarters of an hour, the Guer-
riere attempting to take a raking position ; but failing in
this, she bore up, under her topsail and jib. The Consti-
tution perceiving this, made sail to come up with her.
Captain Hull, with admirable coolness, received the ene-
my's fire, without returning it.
The enemy, mistaking this conduct on the part of the
American commander, for want of skill, continued to pour
out his broadsides, with a view to cripple his antagonist
From the Constitution not a gun had been fired. Already
had an officer twice come on deck, with information that
several of the men had been killed at their guns. The
gallant crew, though burning with impatience, silently
THE UNITED STATES. 361
awaited the orders of their commander. The moment
so long looked for, at last arrived. Sailing Master Ayl-
win, having seconded the views of the captain with admi-
rable skill, in bringing the vessels exactly to the station
intended, orders were given, at five minutes before five,
P. M. to fire broadside after broadside in quick succession.
The crew instantly discovered the whole plan, and enter-
ed into it with all the spirit the circumstance was calcu-
lated to inspire. Never was any firing so dreadful. For
fifteen minutes the vivid lightning of the Constitution's
guns continued one blaze, and their thunder roared with
scarce an intermission.
The enemy's mizenmast had gone by the board, and he
stood exposed to a raking fire, which swept his decks.
The Guerriere had now become unmanageable ; her hull,
rigging, and sails, dreadfully torn ; when the Constitution
attempted to lay her on board. At this moment, Lieute-
nant Bush, in attempting to throw his marines on board,
was killed by a musket ball, and the enemy shot ahead,
but could not be brought before the wind. A raking fire
now continued for fifteen minutes longer, when his main-
mast and foremast went, taking with them every spar, ex-
cepting the bowsprit. On seeing this, the firing ceased,
and, at twenty-five minutes past five, she surrendered.
" In thirty minutes," says Captain Hull, " after we got
fairly alongside of the enemy, she surrendered, and had
not a spiar standing, and her hull, above and below water,
so shattered, that a few more broadsides must have carri-
ed her down.
The Guerriere was so much damaged, as to render it
impossible to bring her in ; she was, therefore, set fire to
the next day, and blown up. The damage sustained by
the Constitution, was comparatively of so little conse-
quence, that she actually made ready for action when a
vessel appeared in sight the next day. The loss on board
the Guerriere was fifteen killed, and sixty-three wounded ;
on the side of the Constitution seven killed, and seven
wounded. It is pleasing .to observe, that even the British
commander, on this occasion, bore testimony to the hu-
manity and generosity with which he was treated by the
victors. The American frigate was somewhat superior
262 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
in force, by a few guns, but this difference bore no com-
parison to the disparity of the conflict. The Guerriere
was thought to be a match for any vessel of her class, and
had been ranked among the largest in the British navy.
The Constitution arrived at Boston on the 28th of August,
having captured several merchant vessels.
On the 7th of September, Commodore Porter, of the
Essex, fell in with a fleet of merchantmen, and at night
cut out a brig with a hundred and fifty soldiers on board,
which was ransomed for 14,000 dollars. On the 13th of
August, the Essex fell in with the Alert, sloop of war,
and captured her in eight minutes.
On the 8th of October, a squadron, consisting of the
President, the United States, Congress, and the Argus,
sailed from Boston on a cruise. On the 13th, the United
States and Argus parted from the rest in a gale of wind.
A few days afterwards, the President and Congress had
the good fortune to capture the British packet Swallow,
with 200,000 dollars on board ; and, on the 30th of De-
cember arrived at Boston, after a very successful cruise.
The Argus was not less fortunate : after parting from
the squadron, she cruised in every direction, between the
continent and the West Indies, and, after being out nine-
ty-six days, she returned to New- York with prizes to the
amount of two hundred thousand dollars. She made va-
rious hairbreadth escapes ; at one time, she was chased
by a British squadron for three days, and several times
almost surrounded ; she was one moment within pistol
shot of a seventy-four, and yet, in the midst of all this
peril, she actually captured and manned one of her
prizes.
The United States, commanded by that distinguished
officer, Commodore Decatur, soon after her separation
from the squadron, had the good fortune to add another
victory to our Naval Chronicle, not less glorious than that
of the Constitution. On the 25th of October, off the West-
ern Islands, she fell in with the Macedonian, Capt. Car-
den, a frigate of the largest class, carrying 49 guns and
300 men. The Macedonian, being to windward, she had
it in her power to choose her distance, and at no time
were they nearer than musket-shot ; from this circum-
THE UNITED STATES. 263
stance, and the prevalence of a heavy sea, the action lasted
nearly two hours. Thfe superiority of the American gun-
nery, in this action, was very remarkable, both for its
greater rapidity and effect. From the continued blaze of
her guns, the United States was, at one moment, thought
by her antagonist to be on fire ; a mistake of very short
duration.
On board the Macedonian there were 36 killed and 68
wounded. She lost her mainmast, her main-topmast, and
main yard, and was much cut up in her hull. The United
States suffered so little, that a return to port was not ne-
cessary ; she had only five killed, and seven wounded.
Among the killed, \vas Lieutenant Funk, of whom the com-
modore spoke in the highest terms. Lieutenant Allen was
on this occasion highly applauded. The commodore ar-
rived at New- York on the 4th of December, with his prize.
Commodore Decatur, already a universal favourite, expe-
rienced the same demonstrations of gratitude as were
shown to Capt. Hull ; nor was there denied him that new
species of praise, which the generous conduct of our he-
roic seamen has uniformly drawn forth, the praise of the
enemy ; all the private property belonging to the men
and officers on board the Macedonian, was restored to the
captured, with the most rigid exactitude ; and their treat-
ment was the most polite and humane.
An act of generosity and benevolence on the part of
our brave tars, of the victorious frigate, deserves to be
honourably recorded. The carpenter, who was unfortu-
nately killed in the conflict with the Macedonian, had left
three small children to the care of a worthless mother.
When the circumstance became known to the brave sea-
men, they instantly made a contribution amongst them-
selves, to the amount of eight hundred dollars, and placed
it in safe hands, to be appropriated to the education and
maintenance of the unhappy orphans.
The feelings of the nation had scarce time to subside,
when the welcome news of another victory was received;
a victory over an enemy most decidedly superior in force,
and under circumstances the most favourable to him.
This was the capture of the brig Frolick, of 22 guns, by
the sloop of war Wasp. Captain Jones had returned from
264 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
France two weeks after the declaration of war, and on the
13th of October again put to sea. On the 16th, he expe-
rienced a heavy gale, in which the Wasp lost her jib-boom
and two men. On the evening of the following day, the
Wasp found herself near five strange sail, and as two of
them appeared to be ships of war, it was thought proper
to keep at a distance.
At day-light on Sunday morning, they were discovered
to be six merchant ships, from Honduras to England, undei
strong convoy of a brig and two ships, armed with six-
teen guns each. The brig, which proved to be the Frolic,
Capt. Winyates, dropped behind, while the others made
sail. The Wasp, being prepared-for action, at 32 minutes
past 11 o'clock, came down to the windward in handsome
style, when the action was begun by the enemy's cannon
and musketry. This was returned, and approaching still
nearer the enemy, brought her to close action. In five
minutes the main-topmast of the Wasp was shot away, and
falling down with the main-topsail yard across the larboard
fore and fore-topsail, rendered her head yards unmanagea-
ble during the rest of the action. In two minutes more her
gaft and mizzen top-gallaritmasts were shot away. The
sea being exceedingly rough, the muzzles of the Wasp's
guns were sometimes under water.
The English fired as their vessel rose, so that their
shot was either thrown away, or touched the rigging of
the Americans ; the Wasp, on the contrary, fired as she
sunk, and every time struck the hull of her antagonist.
The Wasp now shot ahead, raked her, and then resumed
her position. The Frolic's fire had evidently slackened,
and the W^asp gradually neared her, until, the last broad-
side, they touched her side with their rammers. It was
determined to lay her by the board. The jib-boom of
the Frolic came in between the main and mizzen-mast
rigging of the Wasp, and, after giving a raking fire, which
swept the whole deck, they resolved to board.
Lieutenant Biddle sprang on the rigging of the enemy's
bowsprit, where he was at first somewhat entangled, and
Midshipman Barker, in his impatience to be on board,
caught hold of Biddle's coat, and fell back on the deck,
but in a moment sprang up and leaped on the bowsprit,
THE UNITED STATES.
where he found one Lang, and another seaman. His sur-
prise can scarcely be imagined, when he found no person
on deck except three officers, and the seaman at the wheel.
The deck was slippery with blood, and presented a scene
of havoc and ruin, such as has been seldom witnessed.
As he advanced the officers threw down their swords in
submission. The colours were still flying, there being no
seamen left to pull them down. Lieutenant Biddle leap-
ed into the rigging, and hauled them down with his own
hands.
Thus, in forty-three minutes, complete possession was
taken of the Frolic, after one of the most bloody conflicts
any where recorded in naval history. The condition of
this unfortunate vessel was inexpressibly shocking. The
birth deck was crowded with the dead, the dying, and the
wounded ; and the masts, which soon after fell, covering
the dead, and every thing on deck, leaving her a most
melancholy wreck. Captain Jones sent onboard his sur-
geon, and humanely exerted himself in their relief, to the
utmost of his power. The loss on board the Frolic was
thirty killed, and fifty wounded ; on board the Wasp, five
killed, and five slightly wounded. This was certainly the
most decisive action fought during the war. The Wasp
and Frolic were both captured that very day by a British
seventy-four, the Poictiers, Captain Beresford.
On the 4th of March, 1813, Mr. Madison entered upon
the second term of his office, Mr. George Clinton was
elected vice-president, but soon after died, and was suc-
ceeded by Elbridge Gerry.
So great was the desire of the citizens of the western
country to regain possession of the territory of Michigan,
that, in order to effect it, General Harrison resolved to
undertake a winter campaign. General Winchester, with
a portion of the western army, proceeded in advance to
Frenchtown, a village on the River Raisin, not far from
Detroit. A British party, stationed in the village, was
attacked, routed, and entirely dispersed.
The Americans encamped near the field of battle, a part
of them being protected by close garden pickets. Al-
though near an enemy's post, but little precaution was
taken to present a surprise. Early in the morning of the
23
206 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
22d of January, they were attacked by a large force of
British and Indians, the former commanded by Colonel
Proctor, the latter by the Chiefs Roundhead and Splitlog.
The troops in the open field Avere thrown into disorder.
General Winchester, and other officers, made an ineffec-
tual attempt to rally them. They fled, but, while attempt-
ing to escape, were mostly killed by the Indians. The
eneral, and Colonel Lewis, were made prisoners.
The troops behind the pickets maintained the contest
with undaunted bravery. At length Colonel Proctor as-
sured General Winchester, that if the remainder of the
Apiericans would immediately surrender, they should be
protected from massacre ; but otherwise he would set fire
to the village, and would not be responsible fpr the con-
duct of the savages. Intimidated by this threat, General
Winchester sent an order to the troops to surrender,
which they obeyed.
Colonel Proctor, leaving the wounded without a guard,
marched back immediately to Maiden. The Indians
accompanied them a few miles, but returned early the
next morning. Deeds of horror followed. The wound-
ed officers were dragged from the houses, killed and scalp-
ed in the streets. The buildings were set on fire. Some
who attempted to escape, were forced back into the flames.
Others were put to death by the tomahawk, and left shock-
ingly mangled in the highway. The infamy of this butch-
ery should not fall upon the perpetrators alone. It must
rest equally upon those who instigated them to hostility,
by whose* side they fought, who were able and were bound
by a solemn engagement to restrain them.
The battle and massacre at Frenchtown, clothed Ken-
tucky and Ohio in mourning. Other volunteers, indig-
nant at the treachery and cruelty of their foes, hastened
to the aid of Harrison. He marched to the rapids of the
Miami, where he erected a fort, which he called Fort
Meigs, in honour of the governor of Ohio. On the first
of May, it was invested by a large number of Indians, and
by a party of British troops from Maiden, the whole com-
manded by Colonel Proctor.
Five days afterwards, General Clay, at the head of 1200
Kentuckians, made an attempt to raise the siege. Divi-
THE UNITED STATES. 267
ding his force into several parties, and making an impe-
tuous onset, he drove the besiegers from their works.
His troops, supposing the victory complete, and disre-
garding the orders of their commander, dispersed into
the woods. The enemy, returning from their flight, ob-
tained an easy victory.
Of the Americans, two or three hundred escaped into
the fort ; about three hundred were killed or made pri-
soners ; the remainder fled to the nearest settlements. The
enemy sustained considerable loss. The fort continued
to be defended with bravery and skill. The Indians, un-
accustomed to sieges, became weary and discontented. On
the 8th of May, notwithstanding the entreaties of their
chief, Tecumseh, they deserted their allies. On the 9th,
the enemy, despairing of success, made a precipitate re-
treat. General Harrison, leaving General Clay in com-
mand, returned to Ohio for reinforcements ; but in this
quarter active operations were not resumed, until a squad-
ron had been built and prepared for action on Lake Erie.
At Sackett's Harbour, on the northern frontier, a body
of troops had been assembled, under the command of
General Dearborn, and great exertions were made, by
Commodore Chauncey, to build and equip a squadron, on
Lake Ontario, sufficiently powerful to contend with that
of the enemy. By the 25th of April, the naval prepara-
tions were so far completed, that the general, and 1700
troops, were conveyed across the lake to the attack of
York, the capital of Upper Canada".
On the 27th, an advanced party, led by Brigadier-Ge-
neral Pike, who was born in a camp, and bred a soldier
from his birth, landed, although opposed at the water's
edge by a superior force. After a short but severe con-
flict, the enemy were driven to their fortifications. The
rest of the troops having landed, the whole party pressed
forward, carried the first battery by assault, and were mo-
ving towards the main works, when the enemy's maga-
zine blew up, with a tremendous explosion, hurling upon
the advancing troops immense quantities of stone and tim-
ber.
Numbers were killed ; the gallant Pike received a mor-
tal wound ; the troops halted for a moment, but recover-
268 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
ing from the shock, again pressed forward, and soon
gained possession of the town. Of the British troops,
one hundred were killed, nearly three hundred were
wounded, and the same number made prisoners. Of the
Americans, three hundred and twenty were killed and
wounded, and nearly all of them by the explosion of the
magazine. The flag which waved over the fort, was car-
ied to the dying Pike ; at his desire it was placed under
his head, when, with the smile of triumph on his lips, he
expired.
The object of the expedition attained, the squadron and
troops returned to Sackett's Harbour, whence the wound-
ed and prisoners being landed, and other troops taken on
board, it sailed to Fort George, at the head of the lake.
After a warm engagement, the enemy abandoned, and the
Americans entered the fort. The fugitives retired to the
heights at the head of Burlington Bay. On their retreat,
they were joined by a detachment from Fort Erie and
Chippeway. Two brigades, under Generals Chandler
and Winder, were despatched in pursuit. On the evening
of the 5th of June, they encamped at Stoney Creek, in
the vicinity of the enemy, who, considering their situa-
tion desperate, turned upon their pursuers, and attacked
them in the night.
The Americans received them with coolness ; but such
was the darkness, that General Chandler, intending to
place himself at the head of his artillery, threw himself
into the midst of a British party. A few minutes after-
wards, the same mistake was committed by General Win-
der. Satisfied with the capture of these officers, and a
few other prisoners, the enemy made a precipitate retreat.
The American troops returned to Fort George. The
misfortune was soon followed by another. Lieutenant-
Colonel Boerstler, having been sent, with five hundred
men, to disperse a body of the enemy collected at the
Beaver Dams, was surrounded, and the whole detachment
made prisoners.
While the greater part of the American army was thus
employed in Canada, the British made an attack upon the
important post of Sackett's Harbour. On the 27th of
May, their squadron appeared before the town. Alarm
THE UNITED STATES. 269
guns instantly assembled the citizens of the neighbour-
hood. General Brown, of the New-York militia, com-
manded in chief, his whole force amounting to about one
thousand men. By his orders, a slight breast-work was
hastily thrown up, at the only place where the enemy could
land. Behind this he placed the militia, the regulars un-
der Colonel Backus forming a second line.
On the morning of the 29th, one thousand British
troops landed from the squadron. They advanced to-
wards the breastwork. The militia, seized with a sudden
panic, fled in confusion. Colonel Mills, in a vain attempt
to rally them, was mortally wounded. The regulars, af-
ter a spirited resistance, were compelled to retire towards
the town, but in their retreat they took possession of the
houses on the road. From these coverts they poured so
destructive a fire upon the British column, that it halted
and fell back.
General Brown, by a stratagem, converted this slight
check into a precipitate flight. Collecting the panic
struck militia, he directed their course along a road, which,
while it led from the village, appeared to the British com-
mander to lead to the place of landing. Perceiving them
marching with great speed, he supposed that their object
was to cut off his retreat, and re-embarked so hastily as
to leave behind most of his wounded. General Brown, in
recompense for his services, was appointed a brigadier in
the regular army.
Meanwhile, upon the sea coast, a distressing and pre-
datory war was carried on, by a large detachment from
the powerful navy of Great Britain. One squadron, sta-
tioned in Delaware bay, captured and burned every mer-
chant vessel which carne within its reach. The inhabit-
ants of Lewiston, in the state of Delaware, having refused
to sell provisions to the enemy, the village was bombarded,
and severaj attempts were made to land, but they were
defeated by the militia.
On the fourth of February, a squadron consisting of
two ships of the line, three frigates, and other vessels,
made its appearance in the Chesapeake, apparently stand-
ing for Hampton Roads. The alarm was immediately
caught at Norfolk, and the militia called in from the upper
270 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
part of the state. No attempt, however, was made upon
the town, the enemy contenting himself with destroying
the smaller vessels employed in the navigation of the bay,
and effectively blockading its waters. About the same
time, another squadron under the command of Commo-
dore Beresford, appeared in the Delaware, consisting of the
Poictiers, the Belvidera, and some other vessels, which in
the same manner destroyed a number of small trading ves-
sels, and attempted several times to land some of their men,
who w r ere as often repulsed by the militia, hastily collected.
On the 10th of April, Sir John Beresford made a de-
mand on the people of the village of Lewiston, for a
supply of provisions, which was spiritedly refused by Co-
lonel Davis, commanding at that place. Captain Byron,
of the Belvidera, was ordered to move near the village and
bombard it, until the demand should be complied with.
This was obeyed, but without effect ; after a cannonade
of twenty hours, they were unable to make any impression
on the place. Their fire had been returned from some
batteries, hastily thrown up on the bank, with considera-
ble effect. On \he 10th of May, the same squadron sent
out their barges in the neighbourhood of Lewiston, to
procure water. Major George Hunter was detached by
Colonel Davis, with one hundred and fifty men, to oppose
their landing, which the major did with so much gallantry,
that he compelled them to hasten to their shipping. The
squadron soon after returned to Bermuda, where sir J.
Borlace Warren, who commanded on this station, was
engaged in fitting out a more considerable armament, for
the attack of our sea coast during the summer.
Soon after the departure of the squadron, the Spartan,
and some other frigates, entered the Delaware. One of
their vessels, the Martin, was discovered on the twenty-
ninth of July, slightly grounded on the outer edge 01
Crow's Shoals. A detachment of the gun-boat flotilla
immediately moved, and, anchoring in a line about three
quarters of a mile from the sloop, opened a destructive
fire upon her. The Junon frigate soon after came off to
her relief; a cannonade was kept up during an hour, be-
tween the gunboats and these two vessels, in which the
latter suffered great injury. Finding it impossible to
THE UNITED STATES. 271
drive off this musqueto fleet, they manned their launches,
tenders, and cutters, to cut off the gun-boats at the ex-
tremity of the line. No. 121, commanded by Sailing
Master Head, was unfortunately taken, after a desperate
resistance against eight times her number. The British
soon after made sail, the Martin having been extricated
from her situation.
Scenes of a different kind were, in the meanwhile, act-
ing in the Chesapeake. The squadron, which returned in
February, still continued to carry on a predatory war
along the shores and inlets. It was here that one Cock-
burn, by some means an admiral in the service of the
king of England, exhibited the first of those exploits, for
which he afterwards became so highly celebrated, and of
which he may justly claim to be the originator. At first
they were directed against the detached farm houses, and
seats of private gentlemen, unprepared for, and incapa-
ble of defence ; these were robbed, and the owners treat-
ed in the rudest manner. The cattle which could not be
carried away, were doomed to wanton destruction ; the
slaves were armed against their owners, and persuaded to
follow the example of their new friends, to attack their
master's defenceless families, and to engage in pillaging
them.
It was impossible to station a force at each farm house,
to repel these miserable and disgraceful incursions ; yet,
in several instances, Cockburn and his ruffians were
bravely repelled by a collection of the neighbours, with-
out authority, and under no leader. The spirited citizens
of Maryland formed bodies of cavalry, which were sta-
tioned at intervals along the shore, to be drawn out at a
moment's warning, for the purpose of repelling the sud-
den inroads of the enemy. Cockburn took possession of
several islands in the bay, particularly Sharp's, Tilgh-
man's, and Poplar islands, whence he could seize the op-
portunity of making a descent upon the neighbouring
shores, when the inhabitants happened to be off their
guard.
Encouraged by his success against the farmers, and his
rapacity increasing by the booty which he had already
obtained, Cofckburn now resolved to undertake something
272 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
of a more bold and adventurous character, in which his
thirst for plunder, and his love of mischief, might be gra-
tified in a higher degree. He, therefore, directed his
attention to the unprotected villages and hamlets along
the bay, carefully avoiding the larger towns, the plunder-
ing of which might be attended with some danger. The
first of these exploits was against the village of French-
town, containing six dwelling houses, two large store-
houses, and several stables. It was important, however,
as a place of deposite on the line of packets and stages
from Philadelphia to the city of Baltimore, and Cockburn
rightly conjectured, that here there might be private pro-
perty to a considerable amount.
He accordingly set out on this expedition, from his ship,
the Marlborough, in barges, with five hundred marines ;
a sufficient number to have carried the town on their
backs. Some show of resistance was made by a small
party of militia collected from Elkton, but which moved
off as the admiral approached. The storehouses were
destroyed, together with the goods they were unable to
carry off, to an immense amount. Amongst other objects
of wanton destruction, was an elegant drop-curtain, in-
tended for the theatres of the cities before mentioned.
The brand was applied to some of the private dwelling
houses, and to several vessels lying at the wharf; after
achieving this glorious victory, the admiral, fearing the
approach of the militia, hastily retired to his ship.
The next exploit of the admiral was of still greater
importance. The town of Havre de Grace is situated
on the Susquehannah, about two miles from the head o.
the bay, and is a neat village, containing twenty or thirty
houses. An attack on this place was the next object
which entered into the plan of the admiral's operations.
Accordingly, on the third of May, before day-light, lii,
approach was announced by a few cannon shot, and the
firing of rockets. The inhabitants, roused from their
sleep, leaped up in the greatest consternation, and the
more courageous repaired to the beach, where a few small
pieces of artillery had been planted on a kind of battery
for the purpose of defence against the smaller watering
or plundering parties of the enemy.
THE UNITED STATES. 273
After firing a few shots, with the exception of an old
citizen of the place, of the name of O'Neill, they all fled
on the approach of the barges, abandoning the village to
the mercy of Cockburn. O'Neill alone continued to
fight, loading a piece of artillery, and firing it himself,
until by recoiling it ran over his thigh> and wounded him
severely. He then armed himself with a musket, and
limping away, still kept up a retreating fight with the ad-
vancing column of the British, who had by this time land-
ed and formed; after which he moved oflf to join his five
or six comrades, whom he attempted in vain to rally.
The ocean, in the mean time, had been the theatre of
sanguinary conflicts, in which the victors gained untar-
nished laurels. Captain Lawrence, in the sloop of war
Hornet, discovering, in the neutral port of San Salvador,
a British sloop of war of superior force, challenged her
commander to meet him at sea. The challenge being
declined, Captain Lawrence blockaded the port, until for-
ced by a ship of the line to retire.
Soon after, on the 23d of February, the Hornet met
the British brig Peacock, of about equal force. A fierce
combat ensued. In less than fifteen minutes, the Pea-
cock struck her colours, displaying, at the same time, a
signal of distress. The victors hastened to the relief of
the vanquished, and the same strength which had been
exerted to conquer was now exerted to save. Their ef-
forts were but partially successful. She sunk before all
her crew could be removed, carrying down nine British
seamen and three brave and generous Americans. In
the battle, the loss of the Hornet was but one killed and
"two wounded ; that of the Peacock was never ascertained.
On his return to the United States, Captain Lawrence
was promoted to the command of the frigate Chesapeake,
then in the harbour of Boston. For several weeks, the
British frigate Shannon, of equal force, but having a se-
ected crew, had been cruising before the port ; and Cap-
ain Broke, her commander, had announced his wish to
meet, in single combat, an American frigate. Inflamed
by this challenge, Captain Lawrence, although his crew
was just enlisted, and his officers were strangers to him
274 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
and to each other, set sail, on the first of June, in pursuit
of the Shannon.
Towards evening of the same day, they met, and in-
stantly engaged, with unexampled fury. In a very few
minutes, and in quick succession, the sailing master of
the Chesapeake was killed, Captain Lawrence and three
lieutenants were severely wounded ; her rigging was so
cut to pieces that she fell on board the Shannon ; her chest
of arms blew up ; Captain Lawrence received a second
and mortal wound, and was carried below ; at this instant,
the position of the ships being favourable, Captain Broke,
at the head of his marines, gallantly boarded the Chesa-
peake, when every officer who could take command being
killed or wounded, resistance ceased, and the American
flag was struck by the enemy.
That fortune favoured the Shannon cannot be doubted.
That the event would have been -the same had fortune fa-
voured neither, is rendered probable by the astonishing
effect of her fire. This unexpected defeat impelled the
Americans to seek for circumstances consoling to their
pride ; and in the journals of the day, many such were
stated to have preceded and attended the action. But
nothing could allay their grief at the fall of the youthful m
and intrepid Lawrence. His previous victory and mag-
nanimous conduct had rendered him the favourite of the
nation, and he was lamented with sorrow, deep, sincere,
and lasting. When carried below, he was asked if the
colours should be struck. " No," he replied, " they shall
wave while I live." When the fate of the ship was de-
cided, his proud spirit was broken. He became delirious
from excess of mental and bodily suffering. Whenever
able to speak, he would exclaim, " Don't give up the
ship !" an expression consecrated by his countrymen ;
and he uttered but few other words during the four days
that he survived his defeat.
This victory was not achieved without loss. Of the
crew of the Shannon, twenty-four were killed, and fifty-
six wounded. Of that of the Chesapeake, forty-eight
were killed, and nearly one hundred wounded. Great
was the exultation of the enemy. Victories over the fri-
gates of other nations, were occurrences too common to
THE UNITED STATES. 275
excite emotion ; but the capture of an American frigate
was considered a glorious epoch in the naval history of
Great Britain. The honours and rewards bestowed upon
Captain Broke, were such as had never before been re-
ceived but by the conqueror of a squadron. These de-
monstrations of triumph were inadvertent confessions of
American superiority ; and were, to the vanquished them-
selves, sources of triumph and consolation.
The next encounter at sea was between the American
brig Argus, and the British brig Pelican. The latter was
of superior force, and was victorious. Soon after, the
American brig Enterprise, commanded by Lieutenant Bur-
rows, captured the British brig Boxer, commanded by
Captain Blyth. These vessels were of equal force, but
the great effect of the fire of the Enterprise, furnished to
the Americans another proof of the superior skill of their
seamen. Both commanders were killed in the action,
and were buried, each by the other's side, in Portland.
Commodore Porter had been cruising in the Pacific for
nearly a year, in the course of which he had captured
several British armed whale ships. Some of these were
equipped as American cruisers and store ships ; and the
Atlantic, now called the Essex Junior, of twenty guns
and sixty men, was assigned to Lieutenant Downes. The
prizes which were to be laid up, were convoyed by this
officer to Valparaiso. On his return he brought intelli-
gence to Commodore Porter that a British squadron,
consisting of one frigate, and two sloops of war, and a
store ship of twenty guns, had sailed in quest of the
Essex. The commodore took measures immediately to
repair his vessel, which, having accomplished on the 12th
of December, 1813, he sailed for Valparaiso, in company
AV ith the Essex Junior.
" It was not long after the arrival of Commodore Por-
ter at Valparaiso, when Commodore Hillyar appeared
there in the Phoebe frigate, accompanied by the Cherub
sloop of war. These vessels had been equipped for the
purpose of meeting the Essex, with picked crews, in
prime order, and hoisted flags bearing the motto, ' God
and our country, British, sailors' best rights ; traitors of-
fend them. 1
276 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
" This was in allusion to Porter's celebrated motto,
* Free trade and sailor's rights ;' he now hoisted at his
mizzen, ' God, our country, and liberty: tyrants offend
them.' On entering the harbour, the British commodore
fell foul of the Essex, in such a situation as to be placed
completely in the power of the latter ; the forbearance of
Commodore Porter was acknowledged by the English
ommander, and he passed his word and honour to ob-
serve the same regard to the neutrality of the port.
" The British vessels soon after stood out, and cruised
off the port about six weeks, rigorously blockading the
Essex. Their united force amounted to eighty-one guns,
and about five hundred men, about double that of the
Essex ; but the circumstance of this force being divided
in two ships, rendered the disparity still greater, and was
by no means counterbalanced by the Essex Junior. Com-
modore Porter being prevented, by this great disparity
of force, from engaging, made repeated attempts to draw
the Phoebe into action singly, either by mahceuvreing or
sending formal challenges ; but Commodore Hillyar care-
fully avoided the coming to action alone. The American
commander, hearing that an additional British force was
on its way, and having discovered that his vessel could
outsail those of the British, determined to sail out, and,
while the enemy was in chase, enable the Essex Junior to
escape to a place of rendezvous previously appointed.
" On the twenty-eighth of March, the w r ind coming on
to blow fresh from the southward ; the Essex parted her
starboard cable, and dragging her larboard anchor to sea.
Not a moment was lost in getting sail on the ship, as it
was determined to seize this moment to escape. In en-
deavouring to pass to the windward of the enemy, a squall
struck the American vessel, just as she was doubling the
point, which carried away her main-topmast ; both ships
immediately gave chase, and being unable to escape in
his crippled state, the commodore endeavoured to put back
into the harbour ; but finding this impracticable, he ran
into a small bay, and anchored within pistol shot of the
shore ; where, from a supposition that the enemy would
continue to respect the neutrality of the port, he thought
himself secure. He soon found, however, by the manner
THE UNITED STATES. 277
in which they approached, that he was mistaken. With
all possible despatch, therefore, he prepared his ship for
action, and endeavoured to get a spring on his cable, which
he could not accomplish before the enemy commenced
the attack, at fifty-four minutes past three.
" At first the Phoebe placed herself on his stern, and the
Cherub on his larboard bow ; but the latter soon finding
herself exposed to a hot fire, changed her position, and
with her consort, kept up a raking fire under his stern.
The American, being unable to bring his broadside to
bear on the enemy, his spring cables having been three
times shot away, was obliged, therefore, to rely for de-
fence against this tremendous attack, on three long twelve
pounders, which he ran out of the stern ports, which were
worked with such bravery and skill, as in half an hour to
do so much injury to the enemy, as to compel them to
haul off and repair.
"It was evident that Commodore Hillya?r meant to risk
nothing from the daring courage of the Americans ; all
his manoeuvres were deliberate and wary; his antagonist
was in his power, and his only concern was to succeed
with as little loss to himself as possible. The situation
of the Essex was most vexatious to our brave countrymen;
many of whom were already killed and wounded, and
from the crippled state of their ship, they were unable to
bring her guns to bear upon the enemy. Her gallant
crew were not disheartened ; aroused to desperation, they
expressed their defiance to the enemy, and their determi-
nation to hold out to the last.
" The enemy having repaired, now placed himself, with
both ships, on the starboard quarter of the Essex, where
none of her guns could be brought to bear ; the commo-
dore saw no hope but in getting under way ; the flying-
jib was the only sail he could set ; this he caused to be
hoisted, cut his cable, and ran down on both ships, with
the intention of laying the Phoebe on board. For a short
time he was enabled to close with the enemy, and the fir-
ing was tremendous ! the decks of the Essex were strewed
with dead, and her cockpit filled with the wounded ; she
had been several times on fire, and was, in fact, a perfect
wreck.
24
278 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
" At this moment, a feeble hope arose, that she might
still be saved, in consequence of the Cherub being com-
pelled to haul off on account of their crippled state ; she,
however, kept up her fire at a distance with her long guns.
The Essex was unable, however, to take advantage of
the circumstance, as the Phoebe edged off, and also kept
up, at a distance, a destructive fire ; the former being
totally bereft of her sails, could not bring her to close
quarters.
" Commodore Porter, finding the greater part of his crew
disabled, at last gave up all hope, and attempted to run
his vessel on shore, the wind at that moment favouring
his design ; but it suddenly changed, drove her close upon
the Phoebe, exposing her to a raking fire. The ship was
totally unmanageable, but as she drifted with her head to
the enemy, Commodore Porter again seized a faint hope
of being able to board. At this moment Lieutenant Dovvnes
came on board to receive orders, expecting that his com-
mander would soon be a prisoner. His services could be
of no avail in the present deplorable state of the Essex,
and finding from the enemy's putting 'up his helm, that
the last attempt at boarding would not succeed, Downes
was directed to repair to his ship, to be prepared for de-
fending and destroying her, in case of an attack.
" The slaughter on board the Essex now became horri-
ble, the enemy continuing to rake her while she was una-
ble to bring a single gun to bear. Still her commander
refused to yield while a ray of hope appeared. Every
expedient, that a fertile and inventive genius could sug-
gest, was resorted to, in the forlorn hope, that he might
be able, by some lucky chance, to escape from the grasp
of the foe. A hawser was bent to the sheet anchor, and
the anchor cut from the bows, to bring the ship's head
around. This succeeded; the broadside of the Essex
was again brought to bear ; and, as the enemy was much
crippled, and unable to hold his own, the commodore
thought she might drift out of gunshot before he disco-
vered that the Essex had anchored ; but, alas ! this last
expedient failed ; the hawser parted, and with it went the
last lingering hope of the Essex.
" At this moment her situation was awful beyond descrip-
THE UNITED STATES. 279
tion. She was on fire both before and aft, the flames
were bursting up her hatchway, a quantity of powder ex-
ploded below, and word was given that fire was near her
magazine. Thus surrounded by horrors, without any
chance of saving his ship, he turned his attention to the
saving as many of his gallant companions as he could ;
the distance to the shore not exceeding three quarters of a
mile, he hoped that many of them would save themselves
before the ship blew up. His boats being cut up, they
could only hope to escape by swimming ; by some this
was effected, but the greater part of his generous crew
resolved to stay by the ship, and share the fate of their
commander.
" They now laboured to extinguish the flames and suc-
ceeded ; after this, they again repaired to their guns, but
their strength had become so much exhausted, that this
effort was in vain. Commodore Porter summoned a con-
sultation of the officers of the divisions, when, to his as-
tonishment, only one acting Lieutenant, Stephen Deca-
tur M'Nighi, appeared. The accounts from every pa*t of
the ship were deplorable indeed ; she was in imminent
danger of sinking, and so crowded with the wounded,
that even her birthdeck could hold no more, and several
were killed under the surgeon's hands. In the mean time,
the enemy, at a secure distance, continued his fire ; the
water having become smooth, he struck the hull of the
Essex at every shot.
" At last, despairing of saving his ship, the commodore
was compelled, at twenty minutes past six, to give the
painful orders to strike the colours. The enemy, proba-
bly not seeing that this had taken place, continued to fire
for ten minutes after, and Porter was about to give orders
that the colours should again be hoisted, under a belief
that the enemy intended to give no quarters, when the
firing ceased. The loss on board the Essex was fifty-eight
killed, thirty-nine wounded severely, twenty-seven slightly,
and thirty-one missing. The loss on board the British
vessels was five killed and ten wounded ; but they were
both much cut up in their hulls and rigging ; the Phoebe
could scarcely be kept afloat until she anchored in the
port of Valparaiso next morning.
UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
" Commodore Porter was paroled, and permitted to re-
turn to the United States in the Essex Junior, which was
converted into a cartel for the purpose. On arriving off
the port of New-York, the vessel was detained by the
Saturn razee, and, to the disgrace of the British navy, al-
ready dishonoured by the base attack upon this gallant
officer, he was compelled to give up his parole, and de-
clare himself a prisoner of war, and, as such, he inform-
ed the British officer that he would attempt his escape.
In consequence of this threat, the Essex Junior was or-
dered to remain under the lee of the Saturn ; but the
next morning Commodore Porter put off in his boat,
though thirty miles from shore, and notwithstanding the
pursuit by those of the Saturn, arrived safely in New-
York."*
In the spring of 1814, Commodore Barney took the
command of a small flotilla of gunboats, to protect the
inlets and small rivers that fall into the Chesapeake Bay.
About the 1st of June, the enemy entered the Chesa-
peake Bay, and renewed their ravages, with greater seve-
rity than they had done the last year. Sharp and frequent
rencounters took place, upon the water, and upon the
land ; but the enemy succeeded in laying waste the coun-
try, and carrying off the negroes, through the month of
June and July.
In the midst of the various occurrences of the war, on
the northern frontier, on the sea-board, and on the ocean,
important preparations were making to the westward;
and, although the spring and summer had passed away
without any incident in this quarter worthy of being re-
corded, they had not passed inactive. The general atten-
tion was now turned towards it with much anxiety, and
the armies of the Niagara and St. Lawrence remained
almost with folded arms, awaiting the issue of Harrison's
campaign, and the result of the contest for the mastership
of Lake Erie.
The British, aware of the consequence of a defeat, had,
with great assiduity, laboured to strengthen themselves.
The reinforcements continually arriving at Fort George,
* Brackenridge.
THE UNITED STATES. 281
were evidently destined to follow up the advantages which
Proctor might gain, in conjunction with the commander
on the lake. In the meanwhile, in the neighbouring states
of Kentucky and Ohio, the people were excited in a most
surprising degree ; had it been necessary, they would have
risen en masse ; almost every man capable of bearing a
musket, uas anxious to march. The governor of Ohio
had scarcely issued his proclamation, calling on volun
teers, (for the obligations of law to render military ser-
vice were no longer thought of,) than fifteen thousand
men presented themselves, completely armed and equip-
ped more than five times the number required.
The venerable governor of Kentucky, Shelby, a revo-
lutionary her*-, and the Nestor of the present war, made
it known that I- e would put himself at the head of the in-
jured citizens of that state, and lead them to seek revenge
for the murder of their relatives and friends, but limited
the number of Vvdunteers to four thousand. The state 01
Kentucky, called by the natives, " the dark and bloody
ground," forty years ago was an uninhabited forest, pos-
sessed by no tribe of Indians, but, from time immemorial,
the theatre of sanguinary wars. At this day, it blooms
beneath the hand on agriculture, it is filled with beautiful
towns and villages, and is the abode of peace, opulence,
and refinement. The inhabitants are descended from the
planters of Virginia and North Carolina, and emigrants,
composed of the enterprising and intelligent of the other
states.
Living in abundance, and at their ease, and more remote
from the seats of commerce, they have imbibed less of
foreign attachments or feelings than any of our people,
and are, perhaps, more enthusiastically devoted to the
institutions of freedom. They have not a little of the
manners of chivalry in their generous and hospitable de-
portment. Fearless of danger, regarding dishonour more
than death, but, with these qualities, a benevolence and
humanity which has scarcely a parallel. Had the elder
brethren of this confederacy acted like this younger mem-
ber, the Cailadas would have been ours, and Britain would
never have dared to insult us with her unwarrantable pre-
tensions.
24*
282 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
The transactions which are now to be related, may
justly rank amongst the most pleasing to our feelings and
national pride, of any which took place during the con-
test. The campaign opened with an affair, which, though
comparatively of smaller consequence than some others,
is, in its circumstances, one of the most brilliant that occur-
red during the war. This was the unparalleled defence ot
Fort Sandusky, by a youth of twenty-one years of age.
In August, and before the arrival of the Ohio and Ken-
tucky volunteers, which did not take place until the fol-
lowing month, threatening movements had been made
upon all the different forts established by the Americans
on the rivers which fall into Lake Erie. After the siege
of Fort Meigs, the British had been considerably rein-
forced by regulars, and an unusual number of Indians,
under their great leader Tecumseh. It was all important
to reduce these forts before the arrival of the volunteers.
Major Croghan, then commanding at Upper Sandusky,
having received intimation that the enemy were about to
invest the fort of Lower Sandusky, had marched to this
place with some additional force, and had been occupied
with great assiduity in placing it in the best posture of
defence. But the only addition of importance which the
time would allow him to make, was a ditch of six feet
deep, and nine feet wide, outside the stockade of pickets,
by which these hastily constructed forts are enclosed, but
which can afford but a weak defence against artillery. He
had but one six pounder, and about one hundred and
sixty men, consisting of regulars, and detachments of the
Pittsburgh and Petersbiirgh volunteers. General Harri-
son, not conceiving it practicable to defend the place, or-
dered young Croghan to retire on the approach of the
enemy, after having destroyed the works. This, our
young hero, taking the responsibility upon himself, deter-
mined to disobey.
On the first of August, General Proctor, having left a
large body of Indians, under Tecumseh, to keep up the
appearance of a siege of Fort Meigs, arrived at Sandusky
with about five hundred regulars, seven hundred Indians,
and some gun-boats. After the general had made such
dispositions of his troops as to cut off the retreat of the
THE UNITED STATES. 383
garrison, he sent a flag by Colonel Elliot and Major Cham-
bers, demanding a surrender, accompanied with the usual
base and detestable threats of butchery and cold blood
massacre, if the garrison should hold out. A spirited
answer was returned by Croghan, who found that all his
companions, chiefly striplings like himself, would sup-
port him to the last.
When the flag returned, a brisk fire was opened from
the gun-boats and howitzer, and which was kept up du-
ring the night. In the morning, they opened with three
sixes, which had been planted under cover of the night,
within two hundred and fifty yards of the pickets, but not
with much effect. About four o'clock in the afternoon, it
was discovered that the enemy had concentrated his fire
against the northwest angle, with the intention of making
a breach. This part was immediately strengthened by
the apposition of bags of flour and sand, so that the pick-
ets suffered but little injury. During this time, the six
pounder was carefully concealed in the bastion, which
covered the point to be assailed, and it was loaded with
slugs and grape.
About five hundred of the enemy now advanced in
close column to assail the part where it was supposed the
pickets must have been injured : at the same time making
several feints, to draw the attention of the besieged to
other parts of the fort. Their force, being thus divided,
a column of three hundred and fifty men, which were so
enveloped in smoke as not to be seen until they approach-
ed within twenty paces of the lines, advanced rapidly to
the assault. A fire of musketry from the fort, for a mo-
ment threw them into confusion, but they were quickly
rallied by Colonel Short, their commander, who, now
springing over the outer works into the ditch, command-
ed the rest to follow, crying out, " give the d d Yan-
kees no quarter ?" Scarcely had these detestable words
escaped his lips, and the greater part of his followers land-
ed in the ditch, when the six pounder opened iipon them
a most destructive fire, killing and wounding the greater
part, and amongst the first the wretched leader, who was
sent into eternity before his words had died upon the air.
284 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
A volley of musketry was, at the same time, fired up-^n
those who had not ventured.
The officer who succeeded Short, exasperated at being
thus treated by a few boys, formed his broken column, and
again rushed to the ditch, where he, and those who dared
to follow him, met with the same fate as their fellow sol-
diers. The small arms were again played on them the
whole British force was thrown into confusion ; and, in
spite of the exertions of their officers, fled to the woods,
almost panic struck, whither they were soon followed by
the Indians. Thus were these men, confident of success,
and detestable in the intended use of victory, most sig-
nally chastised, under Providence, by a force scarce a
tenth of their numbers. Terror indescribable took pos-
session of* the assailants, and they retreated towards their
boats, scarcely daring to cast their eyes towards the fatal
spot, while they were followed by their allies in sullen
silence.
If this gallant defence deserves the applause of the
brave, the subsequent conduct of the besieged deserves
the praise of every friend of humanity. The scene
which now ensued, deserves to be denominated sublime.
The little band, forgetting in a moment that they had been
assailed by merciless foes, who sought to massacre them,
without regarding the laws of honourable war, now felt
only the desire of relieving wounded men, and of admi-
nistering comfort to the wretched. Had they been friends,
had they been brothers, they could not have experienced
a more tender solicitude.
The whole night was occupied in endeavouring to as-
suage their sufferings; provisions and buckets of water
were handed over the pickets, and an opening was made,
by which many of the sufferers were taken in, who were
immediately supplied with surgical aid ; and this, although
a firing was kept up with small arms by the enemy, until
some time in the night. The loss of the garrison amount-
ed to one killed and seven wounded ; that of the enemy,
it is supposed, to be at least two hundred. Upwards of
fifty were found in and about the ditch. It was discovered
next morning, that the enemy had hastily retreated, leav-
ing a boat, and a considerable quantity of military stores
THE UNITED STATES.
Upwards of seventy stand of arms were taken, besides a
quantity of ammunition. The Americans were engaged
during the day, in burying Jthe dead with the honours 4?f
war, and providing for the wounded.
This exploit called forth the admiration of every party
in the United States. Croghan, together with his compa-
nions, Captain Hunter, and Lieutenants Johnson, Bayley,
and Meeks, of the seventeenth ; Anthony, of the twenty-
fourth ; and ensigns Ship and Duncan, of the seventeenth,
together with the other oflicers and volunteers, were
highly complimented by the general. They afterwards
received the thanks of Congress. Croghan was promoted
to the rank of lieutenant-colonel, and presented with an
elegant sword by the ladies of Chilicothe.
Soon after this affair, Tecumseh raised the siege of fort
Meigs, and followed Proctor to Detroit ; all hope was now
given up by the enemy of reducing these forts, until they
could gain the ascendency on the lake.
The utmost exertions had been made in the meanwhile
by Captain Perry, to complete the naval armament on
Lake Erie. By the 4th of August, the fleet was completed ;
but several of the vessels were with difficulty got over the
bar, on which there are but five feet water. He sailed in
quest of the enemy, but not meeting him, returned on the
8th, and after receiving a reinforcement of sailors, brought
by Captain Elliot, sailed again on the 12th, and on the 15th
anchored in the bay of Sandusky. Here, after taking in
about twenty volunteer marines, he again went in quest
of the enemy ; and after cruising off Maiden, returned to
Put-in-bay, a distance of thirty miles.
His fleet consisted of the brig Lawrence, of 20 guns ;
the Niagara, Captain Elliot, of twenty ; the Caledonia,
Lieutenant Turner, three ; the schooner Ariel, of four
the Scorpion, of two ; the Somers of two, and two swivels
the sloop Trippe, and schooners Tygress and Porcupine,
of one gun each ; making a lleet of nine vessels and fifty-
four guns. On the morning of the 10th of September, the
enemy was discovered bearing down upon the American
squadron, which immediately got under weigh, and stood
out to meet him.
Superiority was decidedly in favour of the British ; the
286 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
* Americans had three more vessels, but this was much
more than counterbalanced by the size of those of the
enemy, and the number of their guns. Their fleet con-
sisted of the Detroit, Captain Barclay, of nineteen guns,
and two howitzers ; the Queen Charlotte, of seventeen
guns, Captain Finnis ; the schooner Lady Provost, Lieu-
tenant Buchan, of thirteen guns, and two howitzers ; the
brig Hunter, of ten guns ; the sloop Little Belt, of three ;
and the schooner Chippewa, of one gun and two swivels;
in all, six vessels and sixty-three guns.
When the Americans stood out, the British fleet had
the weather gage ; but the wind soon after changed, and
brought the American fleet to windward. The line of
battle was formed at eleven, and fifteen minutes before
twelve, the enemy's flag ship, the Queen Charlotte, open-
ed her fire upon the Lawrence, which she sustained for
ten minutes, before she could approach near enough for
her carronades to return. She therefore bore up, ma-
king signals for the other vessels to hasten to her sup-
port, and about twelve, brought her guns to bear upon
the enemy.
Unfortunately, the wind being too light, the remainder
of the squadron could not be brought up to her assistance,
and she was compelled to contend, for two hours, with
two ships of equal force. The contest was, notwithstand-
ing, kept up with unshaken courage, and a degree of cool-
ness which deserves admiration. By this time the brig,
which had so long borne the brunt of the whole of
the British force, had become entirely unmanageable ;
every gun was dismounted, and, with the exception of
four or five, her whole crew either killed or wounded.
Perry now, with admirable presence of mind, and which
drew forth the praise of the gallant officer to whom he
was opposed, resolved to shift his flag, leaped into his
boat, and heroically waving his sword, passed unhurt to
the Niagara.
At the moment he reached the Niagara, he saw with
anguish the flag of his ship come down ; she was utterly
unable to make further resistance, and it would have been
a wanton waste of the remaining lives to continue the
contest ; the enemy was not able to take possession of
THE UNITED STATES. 387
her. Captain Elliot, seconding the design of the com-
modore, volunteered to bring up the rest of the fleet ; for
at this critical moment the wind had providentially in-
creased. Perry now bore down upon the enemy with a
fresh ship ; and passing ahead of the Detroit, Queen
Charlotte, and Lady Provost, poured a destructive broad-
side into each from his starboard, and from his larboard
into the Chippewa and Little Belt. In this manner, cut-
Jng through the line, he was within pistol shot of the
Lady Provost, which received so heavy a fire as to com-
pel her men to run below. At this moment the Caledo-
nia came up, and opened her fire ; several others of the
squadron were enabled soon after to do the same. For a
time, this novel and important combat mingled with in-
describable violence and fury.
The issue of a campaign, the mastery of a sea, the glory
and renown of two rival nations, matched for the first
time in squadron, were the incentives to the contest. But
it was not long before the scale turned in favour of Perry,
and his ship, the Lawrence, was again enabled to hoist
her flag. The Queen Charlotte, having lost her captain
and all her principal officers, by some mischance ran foul
of the Detroit, and the greater part of the guns of both
ships were rendered useless. They were now compelled to
sustain, in turn, an incessant fire from the Niagara, and
the other vessels oi the squadron. The flag of Captain
Barclay was soon after struck, and those of the Queen
Charlotte, the Lady Provost, the Hunter, and the Chip-
pewa, came down in succession ; the Little Belt attempt-
ed to escape, but was pursued by two gun boats and cap-
tured.
Thus, after a contest of three hours, was this unparal-
leled naval victory achieved, in which every vessel of the
enemy was captured, the first occurrence of the kind ever
recorded. If any thing could heighten this glorious vic-
tory, it was the modest and yet sublime manner in which
it was announced by the incomparable Perry : WE HAVE
MET THE ENEMY, AND THEY ARE OURS. Britain had been
beaten in single combat she was now beaten in squad-
ron, where she had conceived herself invincible. The
loss in this bloody affair was very great, in proportion to
288 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
the numbers engaged. The Americans had twenty-seven
killed, and ninety-six wounded ; amongst the first were
Lieutenant Brooks, of the marines, and Midshipman
Laub ; amongst the latter were Lieutenant Yarnell, sail-
ing-master Taylor, purser Hamilton, and Midshipmen
Claxton and Swartwout.
The loss of the British was about two hundred in killed
and wounded ; and the number of prisoners amounted to
six hundred, exceeding the whole number of the Ameri-
cans. Commodore Barclay, a gallant officer, who had lost
an arm at the battle of Trafalgar, was severely wounded,
and the loss of officers, on the side of the British, was
unusually great. Among the officers particularly spoken
of on this occasion, were Captain Elliot, Lieutenants Tur-
ner, Edwards, Forest, Clark, and Cummings, besides these
already mentioned.
The victory of Commodore Perry left the Americans
in peaceable possession of Lake Eric, but Detroit and
Maiden still remained in possession of the British. The
triumph of the American arms seemed to unite conflict-
ing parties ; and the kindness extended to the British cnp-
tives, reflected the brightest glory on our country. But
the territory still occupied by the enemy was to be reta-
ken. For the accomplishment of this purpose, Colonc)
Johnson, with a body of his faithful Kentuckians, were
destined to act against Detroit, and General Harrison was
to march against Maiden.
Finding Maiden untenable, the British general destroy-
ed, and then evacuated it. On the 2d of October, Gene-
ral Harrison, with about 3,500 men, commenced a pur-
suit, and on the 5th, the enemy was overtaken. Colonel
Johnson, who had formed a junction with General Harri-
son, was sent forward to reconnoitre the British and In-
dian forces, gave intelligence that the enemy were prepa-
red for action, at the distance of a few miles. On their
left was the river, and their right consisting of Indians,
under Tecumseh, rested on a swamp.
The American force consisted of Ohio militia, and four
thousand Kentuckians, tne flower of their state, com-
manded by Governor Shelby, who arrived at the camp of
Harrison, on t!fi 7th of September. When the
THE UNITED STATES. 23 J
troops approached the River Raisin, which had been the
scene to such wanton barbarities, they halted to contem-
plate for a while the tragic spot. With feelings which
language must fail to describe, they gathered up the un-
distinguishable bones of friends and foes, and consigned
them to one common grave, with affecting demonstrations
of grief.
The enemy was drawn up under cover of the beech
trees by which the narrow strip of land was covered.
The Americans were soon formed in battle array. Gene-
ral Trotter's brigade formed the front line, supported by
Desha's divisions on the left. The brigade of General
King formed the second line, in rear of General Trotter's,
and Chile's acted as a corps of reserve, both under the
command of Major General Henry. The brigades ave-
raged five hundred men each. Governor Shelby occu*
pied the angle formed by the brigades of Trotter and
Deslia. The regular troops, numbering only one hun-
dred and twenty men, were formed into columns, and oc-
cupied the narrow space between the river and the road,
for the purpose of seizing the artillery, should the enemy
be repulsed. The order of General Harrison was, to form
Colonel Johnson's mounted men in two lines, in front of the
Indians, but the underwood being too close for cavalry to
be effective, he determined on a new mode of attack.
Knowing the dexterity of the backwoodsmen in riding
through forests, and the little inconvenience to them of
carrying their rifles in such a situation, he determined to
refuse his left, to the Indians, and charge on the regulars
drawn up among the beech trees ; the mounted regiment
was accordingly drawn up in front. The army moved on
but a short distance in this way, when the mounted men
received the enemy's fire, and were instantly ordered to
charge. The horses in front of the column at first re
coiled from the fire, but soon after got in motion, and im-
mediately at full speed broke through the enemy with
irresistible force. In one minute the contest was over in
front. The mounted men instantly formed in the rear,
and poured a destructive fire, and were about to make
another charge, when the British officers, finding it impos-
sible to form their broken ranks, immediately surrenderee!
290 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
Upon the left the onset was begun by Tecumseh with
great fury. Colonel R. M. Johnson, who commanded on
that flank of his regiment, received a galling fire, which
he returned with effect, while the Indians advanced to-
wards the point occupied by Governor Shelby ; and at
first made an impression on it; but the aged warrior
brought a regiment to its support. The combat now
aged with increasing fury ; the Indians, to the numbei
of twelve or fifteen hundred, seemed determined to main-
tain their ground to the last.
The terrible voice of Tecumseh could be distinctly
heard encouraging his warriors ; and although beset on
every side, excepting on that of the morass, they fought
with more determined courage than had ever been wit-
nessed in these people. An incident soon occurred, how-
ever, which decided the contest. Colonel Johnson rush-
ed towards the spot where the warriors, clustering around
their undaunted chief, appeared resolved to perish by his
side ; in a moment a hundred rifles were aimed at the
American, whose uniform, and white horse which lie
rode, rendered a conspicuous object ; his holsters, dress,
and accoutrements, were pierced with bullets, his horse
and himself receiving a number of wounds. At the in-
stant his horse was about to sink under him, the daring
Kentuckian, covered with blood from his wounds, was
discovered by Tecumseh ; the chief having discharged his
rifle, sprang forward with his tomahawk, but struck with
the appearance of the warrior who stood before him.
hesitated for a moment, and that moment was his last.
The Kentuckian levelled a pistol at his breast, and they
both, almost at the same instant, fell to the ground. The
Kentuckians rushed forward to the rescue of their leader,
and the Indians, no longer hearing the voice of Tecum-
seh, soon after fled. Near the spot where this scene oc-
curred, thirty Indians were found dead, and six whites.
Thus fell Tecuinsen, the most celebrated Indian war-
rior that ever ra:se<4 the tomanawk against us, and with
him fell the last nope of our Indian enemies. This
mighty warrior was the determined foe of civilization, and
had for years been labouring to unite all the Indian tribes
in opposing the progress of the settlements to the west-
THE UNITED STATES. 291
ward. Had such a man opposed the European colonists
on their first arrival, this continent, in all probability,
would still have been a wilderness. To those who pre-
fer a savage, uncultivated waste, inhabited by wolves and
panthers, and by men more savage still, to the busy city,
to the peaceful hamlet and cottage, to science and the
comforts of civilization, to such it may be a source of re-
gret that Tccurnseh came too late.
But if the cultivation of the earth, and the cultivation
of the human intellect and the human virtues, are agreea-
ble in the sight of the Creator, it maybe a just cause of
felicitation that this champion of barbarism was the ally
of Great Britain, at a period when he could only draw
down destruction on his own head, by savagely daring
what was beyond his strength. But Tecumseh fell, re-
spected by his enemies as a great and magnanimous chief.
Although he seldom took prisoners in battle, he treated
well those that had been taken by others ; and at the defeat
of Dudley, actually put to death a chief whom he found en-
gaged in the work of massacre. He had been in almost
every engagement with the whites since Harmer's defeat,
although, at his death, he scarcely exceeded forty years
of age.
TecumseK bad received the stamp of greatness from
the hand of nature , and had his lot been cast in a differ-
ent state of society, he would have shone as one of the
most distinguished of men. He was endowed with a
powerful mind, with the soul of a hero. There was ai_
uncommon dignity in his countenance and manners ; by
the former he could be easily discovered even after death,
among the rest of the slain, for he wore no insignia of
distinction. When girded with a silk sash, and told by
General Proctor that he was made a brigadier in the Bri-
tish service, for his conduct atBrownstown and Magagua,
he returned the present with respectful contempt. Born
with no title to command but his native greatness, every
tribe yielded submission to him at once, and no one ever
disputed his precedence. Subtle and fierce in war, he
possessed uncommon eloquence, his speeches might bear
a comparison with those of the most celebrated orators of
Greece and Rome. His invective was terrible, as we had
292 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
frequent occasion to experience, and as may be seen in
the reproaches which he applied to Proctor, a few days
before his death, in a speech which was found amongst
the papers of the British officers. His form was uncom-
monly elegant, his stature about six feet, his limbs per-
fectly proportioned. He was honourably interred by the
victors, by whom he was held in much respect, as an in-
veterate, but a magnanimous enemy.
The loss of the Americans, in this engagement, was
more than fifty killed and wounded, among whom was
Colonel Whitely, a revolutionary soldier, killed. The loss
of the British was nineteen killed, and fifty wounded. Six
hundred were taken prisoners ; of the Indians, one hun-
dred and twenty were left on the field. Several pieces of
cannon, taken in the revolution, and which had been sur-
rendered by General Hull, were trophies of this victory.
General Proctor fled when the charge was made, and es-
caped down the Thames, by means of fleet horses, though
closely pursued. His carriage, together with his private
papers, was left in his haste to retreat.
The time was now come, which would prove whether
the stigma past upon the chivalrous people of Kentucky,
by the infamous Proctor, in order that his own atrocious
conduct might escape notice, was founded in truth. It
was now seen whether, to use the words of this monster,
they were a ** ferocious and mortal foe, using the same
mode of warfare with the allies of Britain." The recol-
lection of the affair of the River Raisin might have justi-
fied revenge : and what is more, the instruments who
perpetrated those horrid deeds were now at their dispo-
sal ; bereft of hope by this signal defeat, and the loss of
their great leader, the savages sued for peace ; and as an
earnest of their sincerity, offered to raise their toma-
hawks on the side of the United States, and to inflict
upon the British prisoners, the same abominable cruellies
they had practised on the Americans.
But the Kentuckians, to their honour, far from giving
way to the passions of revenge, forebore even a word, or
look of insult ; there was not even an allusion to the
murder of their brothers and friends ; the prisoners were
distributed in small parties, in the interior towns, and al
THE UNITED STATES. 293
though extremely insulting in their deportment, were not
merely treated with humanity, but in many places actually
caressed and fed with dainties by the compassionate inha-
bitants. This treatment was carried to an excess, which
might properly deserve the name of folly, were it not a
noble mode of revenge for what our countrymen at that
moment endured in the British dungeons on the land,
and in the floating prisons on the sea, where they under-
went every species of distress, wretchedness, and torture.
The Indian war now ceased, and our frontier rested in
security. Most of the volunteers returned home. Gene-
ral Harrison stationed General Cass at Detroit, with
about one thousand men, and proceeded with the remain-
der to join the central army at Buffalo. About this time,
at the request of General Vincent, a correspondence was
opened between him and General Harrison, relative to
the treatment of the British prisoners. After assuring
the British general that the request to treat his prisoners
with humanity, was unnecessary, he referred him to the
treatment experienced by American captives, and referred
him to the scenes which had transpired at the River Rai-
sin, the Miami, others of a similar complexion, and wish-
ed to be informed whether the Indians should be permit-
ted to repeat those cruelties. His words are worthy of
remembrance.
" Use, then, I pray yon, your authority and influence to
stop the dreadful effusion of innocent blood which pro-
ceeds from the employment of those savage monsters,
whose aid, as must now be discovered, is so little to be
depended on when most wanted, and which can have so
trifling an effect on the issue of war. The effect of their
barbarities will not be confined to the present generation.
Ages yet to come will feel the deep rooted hatred and
enmity which they must produce between the two na-
tions."
The reply of General Vincent was not unlike that of
Sir Sidney Beckwith, vague and evasive. He expressed
himself perfectly satisfied on the score of the treatment
of the prisoners, but, with respect to the other topics, he
declined saying any thing ; it was beyond his power to
give an explicit answer; but he pledged his honour, that,
25*
294 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
to the iltmost of his power, he would join with General
Harrison in alleviating- the calamities of war. Although
General Harrison pledged himself to produce proofs of
every thing which he stated, General Vincent chose to be
silent upon the subject; neither disavowing that such acts
*rere sanctioned by the British government, nor calling
the truth of them in question.
The successes of the northwestern army, and the vic-
tory on Lake Erie, prepared the way for the invasion of
Canada. A more formidable force was collected on the
frontier than heretofore, under more experienced officers,
and the Indians had declared against the enemy. The
public mind was elated, and a lit opportunity presented
for the invasion of Canada.
General Armstrong was at the head of the war depart-
ment, and much was expected from his experience and
zeal. Improvements were introduced, especially in the
selection of officers. The secretary proceeded to the
northern frontier to put his plans into operation. The
plan was, perhaps, judicious, but the season was too far
advanced to accomplish his intentions.
General Dearborn resigned, and General Wilkinson
was called from the southern army to supply his place.
He issued an order, which gave general satisfaction, and
much was expected from his military science. The force
directly under his command, amounted to eight thousand
men, and he expected to be joined in October by the
force under General Harrison. General Hampton com-
manded about four thousand men at Plattsburg. The
plan was, to descend the St. Lawrence, pass the British
posts above, form a junction with General Hampton, and
invade Montreal.
The army, which had been distributed in different
corps, and stationed at various points, was now to be con-
centrated at some place most convenient for its embarka-
tion. For this purpose Grenadier's Island, which lies be-
tween Sackett's Harbour and Kingston, was selected on
account of its contiguity to the St. Lawrence, as the most
proper place of rendezvous. On the second of October,
General Wilkinson left Fort George, with the principal
body of the troops, and 'soon reached the island, w r here
THE UNITED STATES. 295
he occupied himself incessantly in making the necessary
preparations for the prosecution of his enterprise. He
several times visited Sackett's Harbour, at which place
the troops first arrived, and, after receiving their neces-
sary supplies, proceeded to the place of rendezvous.
Colonel Scott, whom he had left in command at Fort
George, was ordered to embark with his regiment of ar-
tillery, and Colonel Randolph's infantry, on board a ves-
sel of the squadron, and proceed to the island. Colonel
Dennis was left in the command of Sackett's Harbour ;
and the general having provided a sufficient number of
boats to transport the artillery through the St. Lawrence,
proceeded to put the troops in motion. By the twenty-
third, the troops thus collected exceeded seven thousand
men, and were composed of Colonel Porter's light artil-
lery, g few companies of Colonel Scott's and Macomb's
regiments of artillery, twelve regiments of infantry, and
Forsythe's rifle corps.
General Brown, now a brigadier in the service of the
United States, was ordered to take the command of the
advance of the army at this place. On the first of No-
vember, a British squadron made its appearance near
French Creek, with a large body of infantry; a battery
of three eighteen pounders, skilfully managed by Cap-
tains M'Pherson and Fanning, soon forced them to re-
tire. The attack was renewed the next morning, but
with no better success ; and as the other corps of the
army now daily arrived, the enemy thought proper to
move off.
On the sixth the army was put in. motion, and in the
evening landed a few miles above the British fort Pres-
cott. After reconnoitering the passage at this place, and
finding that the fort commanded the river, General Wil
kinson directed the fixed ammunition to be transported
by land to a safe point below, and determined to take ad-
vantage of the night to pass with the flotilla, while the
troops were marched to the same point, leaving on board
the boats merely a sufficient number to navigate them.
Availing himself of a heavy fog which came on in the
evening, the commander endeavoured to pass the fort un-
observed ; but, the weather clearing up, and the moon
296 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
shining, he was discovered by the enemy, who opened a
heavy fire.
General Brown, who was in the rear with the flotilla,
thought it prudent to land for the present, until the night
should grow darker. He then proceeded down the river,
but not without being discovered, and again exposed to a
severe cannonade ; notwithstanding which, not one of
hree hundred boats suffered the slightest injury. Before
ten o'clock the next day, they had all safely arrived at the
place of destination. A messenger was now despatched
to General Hampton, informing him of the movement of
the army, and requiring his co-operation.
The enemy having discovered the design of the Ameri-
cans, determined to counteract it. Parties were posted
where they could annoy our boats by musket shot, and
the illness of the commander in chief augmented ajarm-
ingly.
The army was delayed for half a day in extricating
two schooners loaded with provisions, which had been
driven into a part of the river near Ogdensburgh, by
the enemy's fire. A corps d'elite of twelve hundred
men, under Colonel Macomb, being despatched to re-
move the obstructions to the descent of the army, at
three o'clock he was followed by the main body. On
passing the first rapids of the St. Lawrence, the barge of
the commander in chief was assailed by two pieces of
artillery, but without any other injury than cutting the
rigging. The attention of the enemy was soon diverted
by Lieutenant Colonel Eustis, who returned their fire from
some light barges, while Major Forsythe, at the same
time, landed some of his riflemen, attacked them unex-
pectedly, and carried off three pieces of their artillery.
The flotilla came to about six miles below, and the dra-
goons attached to the first divisions of the enemy, had
been collected at a place called the White House, at a
contraction of the river ; to which point the flotilla was
ordered the next morning to proceed. On arriving at
this place on the eighth, General Brown was ordered to
go forward with his brigade, to reinforce Colonel Macomb,
and take command of the advance, while the commander
in chief directed the transportation of the dragoons
THE UNITED STATES. 297
across the St. Lawrence. The last was completed during
the night.
The British now determined to harass the Americans.
On the 9th, a skirmish occurred between .the American
riflemen and a party of militia and Indians. In the course
of the day, the cavalry and four pieces of artillery? under
Captain M'Pherson, were ordered to clear the coast as far
as the head of the Longue Saut ; and in the evening the
army arrived at the place called the Yellow House, which
stands near the Saut. As the passage of this place was
attended with considerable difficulty, on account of the
rapidity of the current and of its length, it was deemed
prudent to wait until the next day, and in the meanwhile
it became necessary to use the utmost precaution.
On the morning of the tenth, General Brown, with the
troops under his command, excepting two pieces of artil-
lery, and the second regiment of dragoons, was ordered
to march in the advance of the army. A regard for the
safety of the men, had induced the commander in chief to
retain as few of the troops in the boats as possible, on ac-
count of the exposure to which they would be subject, in
the long and dangerous passage of these rapids, and where
the enemy had in all probability established batteries for
the purpose of impeding their descent. The second regi-
ment of dragoons, and a considerable portion of the other
brigades, which had been withdrawn from the boats, were
ordered to follow, under General Boyd, the steps of Ge-
neral Brown, to prevent the enemy, who were still hang-
ing on the rear of the army, from making any advantageous
attack.
General Brown now commenced his march at the head
of his troops, consisting principally of Colonel Macomb's
artillery, and a part of Scott's regiment of light artillery,
the riflemen, and the sixth, fifteenth, and twenty-second
regiments. It was not long before he found himself en-
gaged with a strong party at a block house near the Saut,
which, after a contest of a few minutes, was repulsed by
the riflemen under Forsythe, who was severely wounded.
About the same time, some of the enemy's galleys ap-
proached the flotilla, which had landed, and commenced a
fire upon it, by which a number of boats were injured ;
298 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
two eighteen pounders, however, being hastily run on
shore, a fire from them soon compelled the assailants to
retire. The day being now too far spent to attempt the
Saut, it was resolved to postpone it until the day fol-
lowing.
At ten o'clock on the eleventh, at the moment that the
flotilla was about to proceed, and when, at the same time,
the division under General Boyd, consisting of his own,
and- the brigades of Generals Covington and Swartwout,
were drawn up in marching order, an alarm was given,
that the enemy was discovered approaching in column.
The commander in chief and General Lewis, being both
too much indisposed to take the command, General Boyd
was ordered to face about and attack the approaching army.
The enemy's galleys had at the same time approached
for the purpose of attacking the rear of the American flo-
tilla. General Boyd now advanced with his detachment
formed in three columns, and ordered a part of General
Swartwout's brigade to move forward, and bring the ene- '
my to action. Colonel Ripley, accordingly, at the head
of the 2 1st. regiment, passed the wood which skirts the
open ground called Chrystler's field, and drove in several
of the enemy's parties. On entering the field, he met the
advance of the British, consisting of the forty-ninth and
the Glengary fencibles. Colonel Ripley immediately
ordered a charge, which was executed with surprising
firmness, so that these two regiments, nearly double his
numbers, were compelled to retire ; and on making a
stand, were a second time driven before the bayonet, and
compelled to pass over the ravines and fences, by which
the field was intersected, until they fell on their main body.
General Covington had, before this, advanced upon the
right of the enemy, where his artillery was posted ; and
at the moment Colonel Ripley had assailed the left flank,
the right was forced by a determined onset, and success
appeared scarcely doubtful. Unfortunately, however,
General Covington, whose activity had rendered him con-
spicuous, became a mark for the sharp shooters of the
enerny, stationed in Chrystler's house, and he was shot
from his horse. The fall of this gallant officer arrested
the progress of the brigade, and the artillery of the ene-
THE UNITED STATES. 299
<ny threw it into confusion, and caused it to fall back in
disorder. The Britisli commander now wheeled part of
his line into column, with the view of capturing some pie-
ces of artillery, jnrhich were no longer supported. A bo-
dy of dragoons, under the Adjutant-General Walbach, at*
tempted, in a very gallant manner, to charge the British
column, but from the nature of the ground was not suc-
cessful.
At this critical moment, Colonel Ripley, who had been
engaged with the enemy's left flank, threw his regiment
between the artillery and the advancing column, and frus-
trated their design. The British fell back with precipi-
tation. The regiments which had broken, had not reti-
red from the field, but still continued to keep up an irre-
gular fight with various success ; and the twenty-first ha-
ving by this time expended its ammunition, and being
much exposed, was withdrawn to another position, and
in the meanwhile the enemy again attempted to possess
themselves of the artillery. One piece was unfortunately
captured by them, in consequence of the death of Lieu-
tenant William S. Smith, who commanded it ; the others
were brought off by the coolness and bravery of Captain
Armstrong Irvine. The action soon after ceased, having
been kept up for two hours, by little better than raw troops
against an equal number of veterans. The British force
consisted of detachments from the forty-ninth, eighty-
fourth, hundred and fourth, the Voltigeurs, and the Glen-
gary regiment. The enemy soon after retired to their
camp, and the Americans to their boats.
In this battle, the loss of the Americans in killed and
wounded, amounted to three hundred and thirty-nine, of
whom one hundred and two were killed ; among these
were Lieutenants Smith, Hunter, and Olmstead ; among
the wounded were General Covington, who afterwards
died ; Colonel Preston ; Majors Chambers, Noon, and
Cummings ; Captains Townsend, Foster, Myers, Camp-
bell, and Murdock ; and Lieutenants Heaton, Williams,
Lynch, Pelham. Brown, and Creery. The British loss
could not have been less than that of the Americans.
This appears to have been a drawn battle ; the British
and Americans both leaving the ground. On the 1 1th,
300 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
the army joined the advance near Barnhart. The com*
mander in chief received information from General Hamp-
ton, which piit an end to the design against Montreal.
On the sixth, a few days before the battle of Chrystler's
field, the commander in chief had given orders to Gene-
ral Hampton to meet him at St. Regis ; but soon after
this order, a letter was received from General Hampton,
in which, after stating that from the disclosure of the state
of General Wilkinson's supply of provisions, and the
situation of the roads to St. Regis, which rendered it im-
possible to transport a greater quantity than could be car-
ried by a man on his back, he had determined to open a
communication from Plattsburgh to Conewago, or by any
other point on the St. Lawrence, which the commander
in chief might indicate.
General Hampton, some time before this, with a view
to a further movement of troops, had descended the Cha-
teaugay river, about the same time that the army was con-
centrated on Lake Ontario. Sir George Prevost, per-
ceiving this movement towards Montreal, had collected
al^ ms force at this point to oppose the march of Hamp-
ton. On the twenty-first of October, this officer crossed
the line, but soon found his road obstructed by fallen tim-
ber, and the ambuscade of the enemy's militia and In-
dians. A wood of considerable extent would have to be
passed, before they could reach the open country ; and
while the engineers were engaged in cutting their way
through, Colonel Purdy was detached with the light
troops, and one regiment of the line, to turn their flank,
and then seize on the open country below. In this he
succeeded, and the army by the next day reached the po-
sition of the advance.
But it was discovered, that about seven miles further
there was a wood which had been felled, and formed into
an abattis, and that a succession of breastworks, some of
them well supplied with artillery, had been formed by the
main body of the enemy. Colonel Purdy, on the 25th,
was ordered to march down the river on the opposite
side, and, on passing the enemy, to cross over, and attack
him in his rear, whilst the brigade under General Izard
would attack him in front. Colonel Purdy had not march-
THE UNITED STATES. 301
ed far when his orders were countermanded ; but, on his
return, he was attacked by the enemy's infantry and In-
dians, and at first thrown into confusion, but the assailants
were soon after repulsed ; they came out at the same mo-
ment in front, and attacked General Izard, but were com-
pelled to retire behind their defences.
General Hampton, finding that the enemy was gaining
strength, determined to retreat. A council of officers
was called by the commander in chief, and the army re-
tired to winter quarters at French Mills.
Thus determined a campaign which gave rise to dissa-
tisfaction, proportioned to the high expectations which
had been indulged ; this unexpected turn of affairs ap-
peared to cast a shade upon all the brilliant series of suc-
cess which had preceded. Opinion was much divided as
to the causes of the failure, and as to the parties who
ought to bear the blame.
While these things were taking place on the land, the
commander of our squadron on the lake was not idle.
Commodore Chauncey, it has been seen, after his first at-
tempt to bring the enemy to action, returned to Sackett's
Harbour, for the purpose of obtaining a fresh supply of
provisions. After being reinforced by a new schooner,
he again sailed on a cruise ; and, on the seventh of Sep-
tember, discovered the British squadron near the Niagara,
and immediately stood for it. Sir James, on perceiving
the Americans, made sail to the northward, and was pur-
sued during four days and nights ; but owing to the dull
sailing of a greater part of the pursuers, he was enabled
to keep out of their reach.
On the fourth day, off Genessee River, Commodore
Chauncey, having a breeze, while Sir James lay becalmed,
endeavoured to close with him ; this he was not able to
accomplish, the enemy taking the breeze also, when the
American squadron had approached within half a mile.
After a running fight of more than three hours, the Bri-
tish escaped, but the next morning ran into AmherstBay,
whither the American commodore, for want of a pilot,
did not think it prudent to follow, but contented himself
^yith forming a blockade. In the running fight the Bri-
tish sustained considerable injury ; that of the Americana
26
302 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
was very trifling. The blockade was continued until the
seventeenth of September, when, in consequence of a
heavy gale which blew from the westward, the commo-
dore was compelled to leave his station, and the British
escaped into Kingston.
After remaining but a short time in Sackett's Harbour,
Commodore Chauncey again sailed towards Niagara,
Where he arrived on the 24th, having passed Sir James at
the False Ducks, without noticing him, intending to draw
him into the lake. A few days after, the American com-
modore received information, that the enemy was in the
harbour of York ; he, therefore, made sail to that place,
as fast as his dull sailing schooners would permit ; and, on
the twenty-seventh, early in the morning, discovered the
enemy in motion in the bay, and immediately stood foi
him. This being perceived by Sir James, he stood out.
and endeavoured to escape to the southward, but finding
that the American was close upon him, tacked his squad-
ron in succession, and commenced a well directed lire at
the Pike, in order to cover his rear, and attacking the
rear of his opponent as he passed to leeward ; this was
prevented by the skilful manoeuvring of Chauncey, by
bearing down in line on the centre of the enemy's squad-
ron, which was thrown into confusion ; Yeo immediately
bore away, but not before his ship had been roughly hand-
led by that of the commodore. In twenty minutes, the
main and mizentopmast, and mainyard of the Wolfe, were
shot away ; the British commander set sail upon his fore-
mast, and keeping dead before the wind, was enabled to
outsail the greater part of Chauncey's squadron. The
chase was continued until three o'clock, the Pike having
the Asp in tow, and, during the greater part of this time,
within reach of the enemy's shot. Captain Crane, in the
Madison, and Lieutenant Brown, of the Oneida, used every
exertion to close with the enemy, but without success,
The chase was at length reluctantly given up, as it came
on to blow almost a gale, and there was no hope of clo-
sing with the enemy before he could reach the British bat-
teries, and without great risk of running .ashore. The
commodore was justly entitled to claim a victory in this
affair ; although the enemy were not captured, they were
THE UNITED STATES. 303
certainly beaten ; two of his vessels were at one moment
completely in the commodore's power ; but from his ea-
gerness to close with the whole fleet, they effected their
escape. In addition to the general policy of Sir James
Yeo, the late affair on Lake Erie had rendered him parti-
cularly careful to avoid an engagement. The loss on
board the Pike was considerable, Bowing to her having
been so long exposed to the fire of the enemy's fleet ;
the most serious, however, was occasioned by the burst-
ing of one of her guns, by which twenty-two men were
killed and wounded ; the total amounted to twenty-seven.
The vessel was a good deal cut up in her hull and rig-
ging-
Shortly after this affair, the commodore having com-
municated with General Wilkinson on the subject of the
expedition then on foot, was advised to continue to watch
the enemy's squadron ; and, if possible, to prevent its re-
turn to Kingston. About the beginning of October, the
commodore again chased the enemy's fleet for several
days, and forced it to take refuge in Burlington Bay ; the
next morning, on sending the Lady of the Lake to recon-
noitre, it was discovered that Sir James had taken ad-
vantage of the darkness of night, and escaped to Kings-
ton. Much pleasantry was indulged at this time, at the
shyness of the British knight, and his ungallant escape
from the Lady of the Lake. The chase was now renew-
ed, and, favoured by the wind, the commodore came in
sight of seven schooners, 'and captured five of them, in
spite of their efforts to escape by separating. Before sun-
down, three of them struck to the Pike, and another to
the Sylph and the Lady of the Lake, and a fifth was af-
terwards captured by the Sylph. They turned out to be
gun vessels, bound to the head of the lake as transports.
Two of them were the Julia and Growler, which had
been lost by the Americans. On board were three hun-
dred soldiers belonging to the De Watteville regiment.
It was ascertained that the ship of Sir James Yeo, and the
Royal George, had suffered very considerable injury, as
well as loss in killed and wounded. Commodore Chaun-
cey remained master of the lake during the remainder of
the season.
304 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
The consequence of leaving a large force of the ene-
my in the rear, and withdrawing the troops from Niagara
were soon felt. General Harrison arrived at Buffalo soon
after the departure of the commander in chief, but could
not follow for want of transports. He embarked after the
main body had gone into winter quarters. The fort was
left under command of General M'Clure, who command-
ed militia whose term of service had nearly expired.
This force was soon reduced to a handful of men, and the
place was no longer tenable. The enemy was in march
with a large force. The fort was blown up, and the few
troops crossed the river, just in time to escape the British.
But this retreat was preceded by an act which every Ame-
rican ought to condemn. Newark, a handsome little vil-
lage, near the fort, would greatly favour a besieging ar-
my ; and orders were given by the secretary, that if ne-
cessary for the defence of the fort, the village should be
destroyed, to prevent the enemy from taking shelter in it.
By an astonishing misconception of these orders, the ge-
neral gave notice to the inhabitants to retire, and left the
village in flames. The act was promptly disavowed by
the government. The order, so misconceived, was soon
enclosed to Sir George Prevost, expressing regret, and
declaring the act unauthorized.
Sir George Prevost, however, did not wait for the disa-
vowal of the American government; he had already in-
flicted a retaliation sufficient to satisfy the vengeance of
the fiercest enemy. At daylight, on the nineteenth of
December, Fort Niagara was surprised by Colonel Mur-
ray, with about four hundred men ; and the garrison,
nearly three hundred in number, and principally invalids,
was put to the sword ; not more than twenty being able
to escape. The commanding officer, Captain Leonard,
appears to have been shamefully negligent, or perhaps
bought by the enemy : he was absent at the time, and had
used no precautions against an assault. Having possess-
ed themselves of this place, they soon after increased
their force, and immediately proceeded to lay waste the
Niagara frontier Avith fire and sword. The militia, hastily
collected, could oppose no resistance to a large body of
British regulars and seven hundred Indians. A spirited,
THE UNITED STATES. 305
but unavailing attempt, was made by Major Bennett to de-
fend Lewistown ; this village, together with that of Man-
chester, Young's Town, and the Indian village of the Tus-
caroras, were speedily reduced to ashes, and many of the
inhabitants butchered.
Major Mellory advanced from Slosser, to oppose the
invaders, but was compelled by superior numbers to re-
treat. On the thirtieth, a detachment landed at Black
Rock, and proceeded to Buffalo ; General Hall had or-
ganized a body of militia, but on the approach of the ene-
my, they could not be induced to hold their ground.
Great exertions were made by Majors Staunton and Nor-
ton, and Lieutenant Riddle, but to no purpose. The vil-
lage was soon after reduced to ashes, and the whole fron-
tier, for many miles, exhibited a scene of ruin and devas-
tation. Here was indeed ample vengeance for the burn-
ing of Newark. ' Even the British general was satisfied, as%
appears by his proclamation of the twelfth of January :
" the opportunity of punishment has occurred, and a full
measure of retribution has taken place:" and he declared
his intention of "pursuing no further a system of warfare
so revolting to his own feelings, and so little congenial
to the British character."
We think indeed it was time to stop, and we are well
persuaded that those who venerate the lex talionis, must
be satisfied that the measure of vindictive vengeance was
full to overflowing.
About this time a very interesting subject was submit-
ted to the consideration of congress. Twenty-three Ame-
rican soldiers taken at the battle of Queenstown, in the
autumn of 1812, were detained in close confinement as
British subjects ; and sent to England to undergo a trial
for treason. On this being made known to our govern
ment, orders were given to General Dearborn to confine
a like number of British prisoners taken at Fort George,
and to keep them as hostages for the safety of the Ameri-
cans ; which was carried into effect, and soon after made
known to the governor of Canada. The British govern-
ment was no sooner informed of this, than Governor Pre-
vost was ordered to place forty-six American officers and
26*
306 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF *
non-commissioned officers in confinement, to ensure the
safety of the British soldiers.
This subject was the theme of very immediate debate
in congress, which Avas at this time in session.
The result of this debate was, a determination to main-
tain with firmness the position which the administration
had taken ; and if Great Britain persisted in the fell reso-
lution of rendering the war bloody beyond the example
of modern times, the United States must, reluctantly, pur-
sue a course to be lamented by every man of common
humanity.
Notwithstanding the intemperate opposition on the
floor of congress, the war was evidently gaining ground ;
the conduct of the enemy in the prosecution of hostilities,
was such as to awaken the feelings of every American ;
and the rejection of the Russian mediation staggered many,
who confidently predicted its prompt acceptance. The
victories which we had obtained at sea, came home to
the feelings of the whole nation, and were claimed ex-
clusively by the opposition, as having alwa)-s been the
best friends to the navy. The British actually complain-
ed that those whom she considered her friends in Ame-
rica, should rejoice in her misfortunes : and accused them
of faithlessness and inconstancy, because they permitted
their love of country to overcome their hatred for the
men in power. But this was a delightful proof of nation-
ality, such as might have been expected from Britain her-
self, or from France, though not from a nation so recently
composed of independent jarring states, not yet perfectly
cemented.
It becomes every virtuous man to rejoice in the good
fortune of his country, however he may dislike the pre-
sent rulers. This sentiment was gradually gaining ground ;
the warlike appearances every where displayed, interested
the ardent minds of the young and enterprising, and the
feats of arms daily recounted, awakened the desire of
being distinguished. The contagion of military pursuits
was rapidly spreading. The habits of a people who had
been thirty years at peace, and constantly occupied in
their industrious avocations, could not be changed sud-
denly. But man is every where by nature warlike, and
THE UNITED STATES. 307
cannot exist long in the midst of martial scenes and pre-
parations, without catching their spirit. It would not
have been difficult to predict, that the foreign enemy,
which was at first regarded only as the enemy of a party,
would soon become the enemy of the country.
Our affairs in the southward had assumed a serious
aspect, and no sooner had the northern armies retired
into winter quarters, than the public attention was kept
alive by the interesting events which transpired in the
country of the Creeks during the winter. That ill fated
people had at length declared open war.
In consequence of the threatening appearances to the
south, and the hostilities which already prevailed with
the Indians inhabiting the Spanish territory, Governor
Mitchell, of Georgia, was required, by the secretary at
war, to detach a brigade to the Oakmulgee river, for the
purpose of covering the frontier settlements of the state.
Governor Holmes, of the Mississippi territory, was, at
the same time, ordered to join a body of militia to the
volunteers under General Claiborne, then stationed on
the Mobile. In the course of the summer, the settlers in
the vicinity of that river, became so much alarmed from
the hostile deportment of the Creeks, that the greater
part abandoned their plantations, and sought refuge in the
different forts ; while the peace party amongst the Creeks
had, in some places, shut themselves up in forts, and were
besieged by their countrymen.
The commencement of hostilities was witnessed by one
of the most shocking massacres that can be found in the
history of our Indian wars. The settlers, from an im-
perfect idea of their danger, had adopted an erroneous
mode of defence, by throwing themselves into small forts
or stations, at great distances from each other, on the va-
rious branches of the Mobile. Early in August, it was
ascertained, that the Indians intended to make an attack
upon all these stations, and destroy them in detail. The
first place which they would attempt, would probably be
Fort Minis, in which the greatest number of families had
oeen collected.
Towards the latter part of August, information was
brought that the Indians were about to make an attack on
308 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
this post, but unfortunately too little attention was paid to
the warning. During the momentary continuance of the
alarm, some preparations were made for defence, but it
seems that it was almost impossible to rouse them from
their unfortunate disbelief of the proximity of their dan-
ger. The fort was commanded by Major Beasley, of the
Mississippi territory, (a brave officer, and, as a private
citizen, highly respected,) with about a hundred volun-
teers under his command. By some fatality, notwith-
standing the warnings he had received, he was not suffi-
ciently on his guard, and suffered himself to be surprised
on the thirtieth, at noon-day.
The sentinel had scarcely time to notify the approach
of the Indians, when they rushed, with a dreadful yell,
towards the gate, which was wide open; the garrison was
instantly under arms, and the major flew towards the gate,
with some of his men, in order to close it, and, if possible,
expel the enemy ; but he soon after fell mortally wound-
ed. The gate was at length closed, after great slaughter
on both sides ; but a number of the Indians had taken
possession of a block house, from which they were ex-
pelled, after a bloody contest, by Captain Jack. The as-
sault was still continued for an hour on the outside of the
pickets ; the port holes were several times carried by the
assailants, and retaken by those within the fprt.
The Indians now for a moment withdrew, apparently
disheartened by their loss, but, on being harangued by
their chief, Weatherford, they returned with augmented
fury to the assault; having procured axes, they proceeded
to cut down the gate, and, at the same time, made a breach
in the pickets, and possessing themselves of the area of
the fort, compelled the besieged to take refuge in the
houses. Here they made a gallant resistance, but the
Indians at length setting fire to the roofs, the situation of
these unfortunate people became altogether hopeless.
The agonizing shrieks of the unfortunate women and
children at their unhappy fate, would have awakened pity
in the breasts of tigers ; it is only by those who have
some faint idea of the nature of Indian warfare, that the
horror of their situation can be conceived. The terror
of the scene had already been sufficient to have bereft
THE UNITED STATES. 309
them of their senses ; but what heart does not bleed at
the recital of its realities. Not a soul was spared by these
monsters ; from the most aged person to the youngest in-
fant, they became the victims of indiscriminate butchery ;
and some, to avoid a worse fate, even rushed into the
flames. A few only escaped by leaping over the pickets,
while the Indians were engaged in the work of massacre.
About two hundred and sixty persons, of all ages and
sexes, thus perished, including some friendly Indians, and
about one hundred negroes. The panic caused at the
other posts or stations, by this dreadful catastrophe, can
scarcely be described ; the wretched inhabitants, fearing
a similar fate, abandoned their retreats of fancied securi-
ty in the middle of the night, and in their endeavours to
escape to Mobile, encountered every species of suffering.
The dwellings of these settlers, (who were probably as
numerous as the whole tribe of Creeks,) were burnt, and
their cattle destroyed.
On the receipt of this disastrous intelligence, the Ten-
nessee militia, under the orders of General Jackson and
General Cocke, immediately marched to the country of
the Creeks. On the second of November, General Cof-
fee was detached, with nine hundred men, against the
Tallushatches towns, and reached the place about day-
light the next morning. The Indians, apprised of his
approach, were prepared to receive him. Within a short
distance of the village, the enemy charged upon him, with
a boldness seldom displayed by Indians. They were re-
pulsed, and after a most obstinate resistance, in which they
would receive no quarters, they were slain almost to a
man, and their women and children taken prisoners.
There were nearly two hundred of the warriors killed
in this affair. The loss of the Americans was five killed
and forty wounded.
Late in the morning of the seventh, a friendly Indian
brought intelligence to General Jackson, that about thirty
miles below his camp, were a number of Creeks collected
at a place called Talledega, where they were engaged in
besieging a number of friendly Indians, who must inevi-
tably perish unless speedily relieved. This officer, whose
resolutions were as rapidly executed as they were formed,
310 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
marched at twelve o'clock the same night, at the head of
twelve hundred men, and arrived within six miles of the
place the next evening.
At midnight he again advanced by seven o'clock was
within a mile of the enemy, and immediately made the
most judicious arrangements for surrounding them. Ha-
ving approached in this manner almost unperceived, within
eighty yards of the Indians, the battle commenced on
their part with great fury ; but being repulsed on all sides,
they attempted to make their escape, but soon found them-
selves enclosed ; two companies having at first given way,
a space was left through which a considerable number of
the enemy escaped, and were pursued to the mountains
with great slaughter. In this action, the American loss
was fifteen killed and eighty wounded. That of the
Creeks was little short of three hundred ; their whole
force exceeded a thousand.
General Cocke, who commanded the other division of
the Tennessee militia, on the llth detached General
White from Fort Armstrong, where he was encamped,
against the hostile towns on the Tallapoose river. After
marching the whole night of the seventeenth, he surprised
a town at daylight, containing upwards of three hundred
warriors, sixty of whom were killed, and the rest taken
prisoners. Having burnt several of their villages, which
had been deserted, he returned on the twenty-third, with-
out losing a single man.
The Georgia militia, under General Floyd, advanced
into the Creek country, about the last of the month.
Receiving information that a great number of Indians
were collected at the Autossee towns, on the Tallapoose
river, a place which they called their beloved ground,
and where, according to their prophets, no white man
could molest them ; General Floyd, placing himself at
the head of nine hundred militia, and four hundred friend-
ly Creeks, marched from his encampment on the Chata-
houchie. On the evening of the twenty-eighth, he en-
camped within ten miles of the place, and resuming his
march at one o'clock, reached the towns about six, and
commenced an attack upon both at the same moment.
His troops were met by the Indians with uncommon
THE UNITED STATES. 311
bravery; and it was not until after an obstinate resistance,
that they were forced, by his musketry and bayonets, to
fly to the thickets and copses in the rear of the towns.
In the course of three hours the enemy was completely
defeated, and the villages in flames. Eleven Americans
were killed and fifty wounded, among the latter the gene-
ral himself; of the enemy, it is supposed that beside the
Autosse and Tallasse kings, upwards of two hundred were
killed.
This just retribution, it was hoped, would bring these
wretched creatures to a proper sense of their situation ;
but unfortunately it had not this effect ; they still persisted
in their hostilities against us. In the month of December,
General Claiborne marched a detachment against the
towns of Eccanachaca, on the Alabama river. On the
twenty-second, he came suddenly upon them, killed thirty
of their warriors, and after destroying their villages, re-
turned with a trifling loss.
After the battle of Talledega, General Jackson was left
with but a handful of men, in consequence of the term of
service of the militia having expired. On the fourteenth
of January he was fortunately reinforced by eight hundred
volunteers from Tennessee, and soon after several hun-
dred friendly Indians.
He was also joined by General Coffee with a number
of officers, his militia having returned home. On the
seventeenth, with a view of making a diversion in favour
of General Floyd, and at the same time of relieving Fort
Armstrong, which was said to be threatened, he penetra-
ted the Indian country. On the evening of the twenty-
first, believing himself, from appearances, in the vicinity
of a large body of Indians, he encamped with great pre-
caution, and placed himself in the best attitude for defence
?^ome time in the night, onp of his spies brought information
that he had seen the enemy a few miles off, and from their
oeing busily engaged in sending away their women and
children, it was evident they had discovered the Ameri-
cans, and would cither escape or make an attack before
morning.
While the troops were in this state of readiness, they
u ere vigorously attacked on their loft fiank about day-
312 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
light ; the enemy was resisted with firmness, and after a
severe contest, they fled in every direction. This was
however soon discovered to be a feint ; General Coffee
having been despatched with four hundred men, to de-
stroy the enemy's camp, with directions not to attack it,
if strongly fortified, returned with information that it would
not be prudent to attempt it without artillery ; half an hour
had scarcely elapsed, when the enemy commenced a fierce
attack on Jackson's left flank. It seems they had intend-
ed, by the first onset, to draw the Americans into a pur-
suit, and by that means create confusion ; but this was
completely prevented by Jackson's causing his left flank
to keep its position.
General Coffee, with about fifty of his officers, acting
as volunteers, assailed the Indians on the left, while about
two hundred friendly Indians came upon them on the
right. The whole line giving them one fire, resolutely
charged ; and the enemy being disappointed in their plan,
fled with precipitation. On the left flank of the Indians
the contest was kept up some time longer ; General Cof-
fee was severely wounded, and his aid, A. Donaldson,
killed ; on being reinforced by a party of the friendly In-
dians, he compelled the enemy to fly, leaving fifty of their
warriors on the ground.
General Jackson, being apprehensive of another attack,
fortified his camp for the night ; the next day, fearing a
want of provisions, he found it necessary to retreat, and
before night reached Enotachopco, having passed a dan-
gerous defile without interruption. In the morning he
had to cross a defile still more dangerous, where he might
expect that the enemy had formed an ambuscade ; he
therefore determined to pass at some other point. The
most judicious arrangements having been made for the
disposition of his force in case of attack, he moved for-
ward towards the pass which he had selected. The front
guard, with part of the flank columns, together with the
wounded, had scarcely crossed the creek, when the alarm
was given in the rear.
Jackson immediately gave orders for his right and left
columns to wheel on their pivot, and crossing the stream
above and below, assail the flanks and rear of the enemy,
THE UNITED STATES. 313
and thus completely enclose them. But, to his astonish-
ment and mortification, when the word was given for these
columns to form, and a few guns were fired, they precipi-
tately gave way. This unaccountable flight had well
nigh proved fatal ; it drew along with it the greater part
of the centre column, leaving not more than twenty-five
men, who, being formed by Colonel Carrol, maintained
their ground for a time against overwhelming numbers.
All that could now be opposed to the enemy, were the
few who remained of the rear guard, the artillery com-
pany, and Captain Rupel's company of spies. Their
conduct, however, was admirable. Lieutenant Armstrong,
with the utmost coolness and intrepidity, dragged, with
the assistance of a few more, the six pounder up the hill,
although exposed to a heavy fire ; and having gained his
position, loaded the piece with grape, and fired it with
such effect, that, after a few discharges, the enemy was
repulsed.
The Indians were pursued for several miles by Colonel
Carrol, Colonel Higgins, and Captains Elliot and Pipkins.
Captain Gordon, of the spies, had partly succeeded in
turning their flanks, and, by this impetuous charge, con-
tributed greatly to restore the day. The Americans now
continued their march without further molestation. In
these different engagements, about twenty Americans
were killed, and seventy-five \vounded ; in the last, about
one hundred and eighty of the Creeks were slain.
Meanwhile, General Floyd was advancing towards the
Indian territory, from the Chatahouchie river. On the
twenty-seventh of January his camp was attacked by a
large body of Indians about an hour before day. They
stole upon the sentinels, fired upon them, and then rushed
with great impetuosity towards the line. The action
soon became general ; the front of both flanks was close-
ly pressed, but the firmness of the officers and men re-
pelled their assaults at every point. As soon as it became
sufficiently light, General Floyd strengthened his right
wing, and formed his cavalry in the rear, then directed a
charge ; the enemy were driven before the bayonet, and
being pursued by the cavalry, many of them were killed.
The loss of General Floyd was seventeen killed, and one
27
314 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
hundred and thirty-two wounded. That of the Indians
could not be ascertained ; thirty-seven of their warriors
were left dead on the field, but it is thought their loss
was very considerable.
By this time it might be supposed that the Creeks had
been satisfied with the experiment of war, but they appear
to have been infatuated in a most extraordinary degree.
From the influence of their prophets over their supersti-
tious minds, they were led on from one ruinous efibrt to
another, in hopes that the time would at last arrive, when
their enemies would be delivered into their hands.
General Jackson, having received considerable rein-
forcements from Tennessee, and being joined by a num-
ber of friendly Indians, set out on an expedition to the
Tallapoose River. He proceeded from the Goose on the
twenty-fourth of March, reached the southern extremity
of the New-Youca on the twenty-seventh, at a place call-
ed the Horse-shoe-bend of the Goose. Nature furnishes
few situations so eligible for defence ; and here the
Creeks, by the direction of their prophets, had made their
last stand. Across the neck of land they had erected a
breastwork of the greatest compactness and strength,
from five to eight feet high, and provided with a double
row of port holes artfully arranged. In this place they
considered themselves perfectly secure. The assailants
could not approach without being exposed to a double
and cross fire from the Indians who lay behind. The
area thus enclosed by the breastworks was little short of
one hundred acres. The warriors from Oakfuskee, Oak-
shaya, Hilebees, the Fish Ponds, and Eupata towns, had
collected their force at this place, in number exceeding a
thousand.
Early in the morning of the twenty-seventh, General
Jackson, having encamped the preceding night within
six miles of the bend, detached General Coffee, with the
mounted men, and nearly the whole of the Indian force,
to pass the river at a ford about three miles below their
encampment, and to surround the bend in such a manner
that none of them should escape by attempting to cross
the river. With the remainder of his force, General
Jackson advanced to the point of the breastwork, and at
THE UNITED STATES. 315
half past ten planted his artillery on a small eminence,
within eighty yards of the nearest point of the work, and
within two hundred and fifty of the farthest. A brisk
cannonade was opened upon the centre, and a severe fire
was kept up with musketry and rifles, when the Indians
ventured to show themselves behind their defences.
In the meantime, General Coffee, having crossed below,
had advanced towards the village ; when within half a mile
of that which stood at the extremity of the peninsula, the
Indians gave their yell ; Coffee, expecting an immediate
attack, drew up his men in order of battle, and in this
manner continued to move forward. The friendly In-
dians had previously taken possession of the bank, for
the purpose of preventing the retreat of the enemy ; but
they no sooner heard the artillery of Jackson, and the ap-
proach of Coffee, than they rushed forward to the banks ;
while the militia, apprehending an attack from the Oak-
fuskee villages, were obliged to remain in order of bat-
tle.
The friendly Indians, unable to remain silent spectators,
began to fire across the stream, about one hundred yards
wide, while some plunged into the river, and swimming
across, brought back a number of canoes ; in these the
greater part embarked, landed on the peninsula, then ad-
vanced into the village, drove the enemy from their huts
up to the fortifications, and continued to annoy them du-
ring the whole action. This movement of the Indians
rendered it necessary that a part of Coffee's line should
take their place.
General Jackson, finding that his arrangements were
complete, at length yielded to the earnest solicitations of
his men to be led to the charge. The regular troops, led
by Colonel Williams and Major Montgomery, were in a
moment in possession of the nearest part of the breast-
works; the militia accompanied them with equal firm-
ness and intrepidity. Having maintained, for a few mi-
nutes, a very obstinate contest, muzzle to muzzle, through
the port holes, they succeeded in gaining the opposite side
of the works. The event could no longer be doubtful.
The enemy, although many of them fought with that
kind of bravery which desperation inspires, were cut to
316 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
pieces. The whole margin of the river which surround
ed the peninsula, was strewed with the slain. Five hun-
dred and fifty-seven were found, besides those thrown into
the river by their friends, or drowned in attempting to es-
cape. Not more than fifty could have escaped. Among
their slain was their great prophet Manahoe, and two
others of less note. About three hundred women and
children were taken prisoners. Jackson's loss was twen-
ty-six white men killed, and one hundred and seven
wounded; eighteen Cherokees killed, and thirty-six
wounded; and five friendly Creeks killed, and eleven
wounded.
This most decisive victory put an end to the Creek
war. The spirit and power of these misguided men were
completely broken ; Jackson soon after scoured the coun-
tries on the Coose and Tallapoose. A party of the ene-
my, on the latter river, on his approach fled to Pensacola.
The greater part of the Creeks now came forward, and
threw themselves on the mercy of the victors. A detach-
ment of militia from North and South Carolina, under
the command of Colonel Pearson, scoured the country
on the Alabama, and received the submission of a great
number of Creek warriors and their prophets.
In the course of the summer, a treaty of peace was dic-
tated to them by Jackson, on severe but just terms.
They agreed to yield a portion of their country as an in-
demnity for the expenses of the war ; they conceded the
privilege of opening roads through their country, toge-
ther with the liberty of navigating their rivers. They also
stipulated to hold no intercourse with any British or
Spanish post or garrison, and to deliver up the property
they had taken from whites or friendly Indians. The ge-
neral, on the part of the United States, undertook to
guarantee their territory, to restore all their prisoners,
and in consideration of their destitute situation, to furnish
them gratuitously with the necessaries of life, until they
could provide for themselves. They also engaged to es-
tablish trading houses, and endeavour to bring back the
nation to their former state.
It has already been stated, that after the failure of the
campaign against the British provinces, the army retired
THE UNITED STATES. 317
into winter quarters. It remained inactive till the latter
part of February. The Secretary of War gave orders to
withdraw to Plattsburgh, and that two thousand men -
should be marched to Sackett's Harbour, under General
Brown, with a proportion of field pieces and battering
cannon. The general destroyed his barracks, and retired
to the place assigned him. The British detached a large
force under Col. Scott, who destroyed the public stores,
and pillaged the citizens.
Towards the latter end of March, General Wilkinson
determined to erect a battery at a place called Rouse's
point, where his engineer had discovered a position from
which the enemy's fleet, then laid up at St. John's, might
be kept in check. The ice breaking up on Lake Cham-
plain sooner than usual, defeated his plan ; a body of the
enemy, upwards of two thousand strong, on discovering
his design, had been collected at La Colle mill, three
miles from Rouse's point, for the purpose of opposing
him. With a view of dislodging this party, and at the
same time of forming a diversion in favour of General
Brown, who had marched against Niagara, the commander
in chief, at the head of about four thousand men, crossed
the Canada lines on the thirtieth of March.
After dispersing several of the enemy's skirmishing par-
ties, he reached La Colle mill, a large fortified stone house,
at which Major Hancock commanded. An eighteen
pounder was ordered up, but owing to the nature of the
ground over which it had to pass, the transportation was
found impracticable ; a twelve pounder and a five inch
howitzer, were therefore substituted. These pieces, un-
der the direction of Captain M'Pherson, and Lieutenants
Larabee and Sheldon, were posted at the distance of two
hundred paces from the house, and covered by the second
brigade, with part of Colonel Clark's command, under
General Smith on the right ; and the third brigade, under
General Bissel, on the left. Colonel Miller was ordered
to take a position with the twelfth and thirteenth regiments,
in order to cut off the enemy's retreat ; while the reserve,
composed of four select corps of the first brigade, was
placed under the command of General Macomb.
These arrangements being made, the battery opened
27*
318 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
upon the house, and the fire was promptly returned. The
different corps were greatly exposed to the fire from the
house ; it was found impossible to effect a breach, although
the guns were managed with great skill. Captain M'Pher-
son was wounded at the commencement of the attack, but
continued, notwithstanding, at his post, until a second shot
had broken his thigh, his next officer, Larabee, was shot
hrough the lungs ; Lieutenant Sheldon kept up the fire
until the end of the affair, and behaved in a manner which
drew forth the praise of his general.
The British commander, perceiving that the Americans
persisted in bombarding the house, made a desperate sor-
tie, and several times charged upon the cannon, in which
he was repulsed by the covering troops, and compelled
to retire to his fortress with loss. It being now found
impracticable to make an impression on this strong build-
ing, whose walls were of unusual thickness, the comman-
der in chief, calling in his different parties, fell back in
good order. The loss of the Americans in this affair was
upwards of one hundred and forty in killed and wounded;
that of the British is not ascertained.
Many were the difficulties under which the army la-
boured. Lack of system, a severe climate, sickness, un-
foreseen expenses, abuses in every department, and want
of experience and education in the subalterns ; and the
disgraceful conduct of many of the frontier inhabitants, in
supplying the enemy with provisions, are among the num-
ber of misfortunes under which the country laboured. Be-
sides which, the enemy was regularly informed of every
thing which transpired on the American side.
Shortly after the affair of La Colle, the greater part
of the British force was collected at St. John's and the
Isle Aux Noix, for the purpose of securing the entrance
of the squadron into Lake Champlain, on the breaking up
of the ice. This was effected early in May. Some time
before this, on the suggestion of General Wilkinson, Com-
modore M'Donough had fortified the mouth of Otter
River, so as to secure a passage for his flotilla, which then
lay at Vergennes, higher up the river, waiting for its ar-
mament. This precaution proved of great service. The
commodore had laboured, with indefatigable industry, to
THE UNITED STATES. 319
provide a naval force on this lake, to cope with that of
the enemy ; the vessels had been built during the autumn
and winter, but their armament did not arrive before
spring.
The first object of the enemy, when they found the
navigation open, was to attempt the destruction of the
fleet, before it could move upon its element, prepared to
meet them. On the 12th of May, not long after the erec..
tion of the battery on the cape, at the entrance of the
river, a bomb vessel, and three large gallies, were station-
ed by the enemy across the creek, for the purpose of block-
ading the squadron, and, at the same time, to intercept
naval supplies, which it was supposed would be sent by
water, for the purpose of completing its armament. Cap-
lain Thornton, of the light artillery, and Lieutenant Gas-
sin, with a number of sailors, were ordered to the defence
of the battery. Indications being, at the same time, dis-
covered, of an attempt by the enemy to assail the battery
in the rear, General Davis, of the Vermont militia, called
part of his brigade, in order to oppose the landing.
At day-break, on the 14th, the enemy commenced an
attack upon the works, but were so effectually resisted,
that they were compelled to withdraw from their position
with the loss of two gallies, which they were obliged to
abandon. Soon after, the whole squadron moved down
the lake, but not without some skirmishing with General
Wright, of the militia, as they passed Burlington. Com-
modore M'Donough had attempted to bring some of the
American vessels to the mouth of the river, but the Bri-
tish squadron had disappeared before he could attain his
object.
While the naval preparations were making on Lake
Champlain, the winter and spring were taken up with the
preparations for a contest of superiority on Lade Ontario.
The British converted it, however, into a contest in build-
ing the greatest number, and the largest ships. At King-
ston a ship of extraordinary size was building ; for the
enemy no longer trusted, as they had done with other na-
tions, to superior seamanship and valour. Commodore
Chauncey was under the necessity of building additional
vessels, for the purpose of maintaining, as nearly as possi-
330 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
ble, an equality of force. The enemy was, however, not
satisfied in endeavouring to conquer us in ship building;
they made numerous attempts to destroy, by insidious
means, those already built by the Americans. On the
twenty-fifth of April, three of the enemy's boats, provided
with the means of blowing up the vessels, succeeded in
getting close into Sackett's Harbour undiscovered, but
before they could execute their purpose, they were de-
tected, and fired upon by Lieutenant Dudley, the officer
of the guard, on which they threw their powder into the
lake, and pulled off. Failing in all these attempts, from
the vigilance of the Americans, they next formed the de-
termination to intercept the naval stores on their way
from Oswego, where they had been deposited. Thither
Sir James proceeded with his whole fleet, and having on
board a large body of troops under General Drummond,
proceeded, on the fifth of May, with the determination of
storming the town, and capturing the equipments destined
for the new vessels.
The British commenced a heavy bombardment, which
was kept up for several days ; the unexpected and gallant
resistance of the garrison, consisting of three hundred
men under Lieutenant Colonel Mitchell, was in vain
against such superior force. The schooner Growler, then
in Oswego Creek to receive the cannon, was sunk, to pre-
vent her from being taken, and all the tents that could be
procured were pitched on the village side, to give the ap-
pearance of a large force of militia. The sailors of the
Growler, under Lieutenant Pearce, were added to the
garrison; the shore battery was commanded by Captain
Boyle, seconded by Lieutenant Legate. At one o'clock,
fifteen barges, filled with troops, moved towards the shore,
preceded by several gun-boats, while a heavy cannonade
was commenced by the larger vessels. They were so
warmly received by the battery on shore, that the boats
were twice repulsed, and one of the largest fell into the
hands of the Americans.
The squadron now stood oflf, but this was evidently for
the purpose of renewing the attack, in such a manner as
to render it effectual. They again approached on the
sixth, having resolved to land under cover of her ships ;
THE UNITED STATES. 321
they accordingly kept up a heavy fire for three hours,
while their land forces, two thousand in number, under
General De Watteville, succeeded in gaining the shore,
after being gallantly opposed by Lieutenant Pearce and
his seamen. Colonel Mitchell now abandoned the fort,
and joining his corps to the marines and seamen, engaged
the enemy's flank, and did great execution. Finding fur-
ther resistance useless, he fell back, formed his troops,
and took up his inarch to the falls of Oswego, destroying
the bridges in his rear.
Hither, to the inexpressible disappointment of the
British, the naval stores had been removed, and all their
trouble, and the loss which they sustained, procured them
nothing more than a few barrels of provisions and some
whiskey. This was purchased with the loss of two hun-
dred and thirty-five men, in killed and wounded ; they
were certainly entitled to the victory, but they never
thought proper to claim it. The loss of the Americans
was sixty-nine in killed, wounded and missing ; among
the first, a promising officer, Lieutenant Blaney.
On the evening of the same day, a part of the force
proceeded to Pultneyville, and demanded the public
stores. The inhabitants were unable to repel the inva~
ders* who indulged themselves in their usual depredations;
when General Swift, of the New-York militia, opportunely
arriving, with a part of his brigade, put them to flight. The
British, soon after, hearing that the Superior, which had
lately been launched, had received her equipments from
the interior, broke up the blockade and returned to
Kingston.
Another new ship, the Mohawk, was at this time on the
stocks, and as she would have to be supplied with her
equipments from the same place, it was determined, since
the British had disappeared, to transport them by water,
and avoid the expense and delay of land transportation.
To deceive the enemy, who had numerous gunboats ho-
vering about the different creeks, a report was circulated
that it was intended to forward the stores to the Oneida
lake. Nineteen barges were loaded at Oswego, and Ma-
jor Appling was despatched by General Gaines, with a
detachment to aid Captain Woolsey, in their defence.
322 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
On the 28th of May, Captain Woolsey, finding the coast
clear, reached the village by sunset, and taking advantage
of the darkness of the night put into the lake. The next
day they reached Sandy creek, and ascending it a few
miles, despatched a boat to look out for the British on the
lake ; this boat was discovered by some gun vessels, and
immediately chased. Major Appling and Captain Wool-
sey determined to draw them into an ambuscade. As had
been anticipated, the enemy pushed their gunboats and
cutters up the creek, while a party landed and ascended
along the bank.
The Americans now rushed suddenly upon them, and
in a few moments, after one fire, by which a number of
them were killed and wounded, the whole party was taken
prisoners, consisting of four lieutenants of the navy, t\vo
lieutenants of the marines, and one hundred and thirty
men, together with all their boats and cutters. Major
Appling, for this affair, was brevetted, and his officers,
Lieutenants Smith, M'Intosh, Calhoun, M'Farland, and
Armstrong, and Ensign Austin, were publickly thanked.
The conduct of Captain Woolsey and his officers was not
less applauded.
" The consequences of this affair, were severely felt by
the British ; they lost a number of their best seamen and
officers, and Commodore Chauncey was once more master
of the lake. He accordingly sailed out, and several times
presented himself before Kingston, but Sir James did not
think it prudent to stir out, until his large ship of one hun-
dred and twelve guns, then on the stocks, should be com-
pleted. This mode of warfare was exceedingly expensive,
but more to the British than to the Americans ; it is as-
certained that it cost the former more than twice what was
expended by the Americans, in consequence of their
greater difficulties of transportation.
" General Brown had, in the mean time, reached the
Niagara frontier, and it was expected that the enemy
would be immediately expelled from the American terri-
tory; but his situation did not permit the attempt, and
with the exception of a few partial encounters, tranquil-
lity prevailed along the Niagara frontier during the sum-
mer. It would be improper to pass over in silence, how-
THE UNITED STATES. 323
ever, an affair which took place in this quarter. Colonel
Campbell crossed the lake from Erie, with about five hun-
dred men, and landing at Dover, a small village on the
Canada side, proceeded to destroy the mills, together
with the greater part of the private dwellings. The ex-
pedition was undertaken without orders, and his conduct
in this affair, though otherwise a meritorious officer, was
greatly reprobated ; a court of inquiry, at which General
Scott presided, was instituted. The court decided, that
the destruction of the distilleries and mills might be jus-
tified by the usages of war, as they furnished the British
troops with their necessary supplies ; but with respect to
the other part of his conduct, although excused, in some
measure, by the example of the enemy, in the destruc-
tion of the villages on the Niagara, it was nevertheless
condemned.
Early in the spring, intelligence was received that a
jody of regulars, militia, and Indians, was collected on
ihe River Thames. Captain Lee succeeded in gaining
their rear, and made prisoners of several officers, and
among them Colonel Baubee, who commanded a party of
Indians in their depredations on the frontier of New-
York.
** A gallant affair was soon after achieved by Captain
Holmes, a youth of the most promising talents, and bro-
ther to the governor of the Mississippi territory. With a
party of obout one hundred and sixty rangers and mount-
ed men, he proceeded, on the twenty-first of February,
against some of the enemy's posts. About the beginning
of March, he received intelligence that a British force,
which afterwards proved to be double his own, was de-
scending the River Thames.
Captain Holmes, finding himself not in a situation to
g.ve battle, from the fatigues which his men had already
encountered, and his ignorance of the strength of the
enemy's party, fell back a few miles, and chose a strong
position, where he was confident of being able to defend
himself until he could obtain the necessary information of
the British. He despatched a small body of rangers fojr
this purpose, but which soon returned, pursued by tns
enemy, but without being able to learn his strength. The
324 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
British, perceiving the strength of Captain Holmes' posi-
tion, resorted to stratagem for the purpose of drawing
him from it. They feigned an attack, and then retreated,
taking care not to show more than sixty or seventy men ;
Captain Holmes now pursued, but with caution ; and af-
ter proceeding about five miles, discovered their main
body drawn up to receive him, on which he immediately
returned to his former position. Having disposed of his
troops in the most judicious manner, he firmly waited for
them ; being protected in front by a deep ravine, and the
approaches on the other side somewhat difficult.
The attack was commenced at the same moment on
every point, with savage yells, and the sound of bugles,
the regulars charging up the heights from the ravine ; the
other sides were rapidly assailed by militia and Indians.
The first approached within twenty paces of the Ameri-
can lines, against a very destructive fire ; but the front
section being cut to pieces, those who followed, severely
wounded, and many of their officers cut down, they re-
tired to the woods, within thirty or forty paces, and the
firing continued with great spirit on both sides. The
American regulars being uncovered, were ordered to
kneel, that the brow of the heights might assist in screen-
ing them from the enemy ; but the enemy's covering was
insufficient, a single tree affording no shelter even to one,
from the extended line of the Americans, much less to
the squads that stood together.
On the other sides, the attack was sustained with equal
coolness* and with considerable loss to the foe ; the Ame-
ricans had, on three sides, thrown together some logs has-
tily, and no charge being made, they could aim their pieces
it leisure, with that deadly certainty which belongs to the
backwoodsman. The British, after an hour of hard fight-
ing, ordered a retreat; and as the night approached, Cap-
tain Holmes thought it not advisable to pursue ; besides, his
men were much fatigued, and many of them had nearly
worn out their shoes on the hard frozen ground. The Ame-
rican loss on this occasion <lid not amount to more than
six killed and wounded. According to the statement of
the British, their loss was sixty-five killed and wounded,
besides Indians. In consemience of his good conduct in
THE UNITED STATES. 325
this affair, Captain Holmes was promoted to the rank of
major.
The northern sea coast, which had thus far experienced
little molestation from the enemy, became the object ol
attack early in the spring. On the seventh of Aprilv
body of sailors and marines, to the number of two hun-
dred, ascended the Connecticut River, as far as Saybrook,
where they spiked the cannon, and destroyed the ship-
ping ; they proceeded thence to Brockway's ferry, where
they did the same ; and afterwards, unapprehensive of
attack, carelessly remained twenty-four hours. In the
meantime, a body of militia, together with a number of
marines and sailors, under Captain Jones, and Lieutenant
Diddle, had collected for the purpose of cutting off their
retreat ; but the British, taking advantage of a very dark
night, and using muffled oars, escaped to their'fleet, after
having destroyed two hundred thousand dollars worth of
shipping.
About this time the coasting trade was almost destroy-
ed by a British privateer, the Liverpool Packet, which
cruised in the sound. Commodore Lewis sailed with a
detachment of thirteen gun-boats, and succeeded in
chasing her off. On his arrival at Saybrook, he found
upwards of fifty vessels bound to the eastward, but afraid
to venture out. The commodore consented to take them
under convoy, but was not able to promise them protec-
tion against the squadron then blockading New-London.
They, however, being disposed to run the risk, he sailed
with them on the twenty-fifth, and, m the afternoon of the
same day, was compelled to throw himself between his
convoy and a British frigate, a sloop of war and a tender,
and kept up a contest until the coasters had safely reached
New-London.
Having attained his object, he determined to try what
he could do with his gun-boats against the f -aemy'g ship*.
Furnaces being hastily constructed, he began to throve not
balls at the enemy's sides, and repeatedly set their ships
on fire, without receiving any injury himself. The sloop
soon withdrew, and the fire was principally directrd
against the frigate. One shot passed through her ve \
near her magazine : her lieutenant, and a srem, number *tt
28
326 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
her men were already killed; her captain was on the
point of striking, when he observed that the gun-boats
had ceased firing. The night soon after coming on, the
gun-boats desisted from the attack, determined to wait
until morning. At daylight they perceived the squadron
towing away ; it was resolved to pursue them, but several
other frigates soon made their appearance, and put a stop
to this design. This affair, together with that of Crancy
Island, revived the discussion on the utility of gun-boats
in the defence of harbours, and the coast. Great ser-
vices had been rendered by Captain Lewis, on this, as
well as on many other occasions.
Formidable squadrons were kept up before the ports of
New- York, New-London, and Boston ; and the whole
eastern coast was exposed to the enemy. The war was
carried on here in a very different manner from that at
the south. Commodore Hardy would not permit any
wanton outrages upon private property, or upon defence-
less individuals. In spite, however, of his general de-
meanour, there were particular instances of the contrary
on the part of the officers commanding smaller parties,
and actuated by a thirst for plunder. At the towns of
Wareham and Scituate, they burned all the vessels at
their moorings ; and, at the former, they set fire to an
extensive cotton manufactory. At a place called Booth-
bay, they met with a spirited resistance, and were repeat-
edly repulsed in various desperate attacks.
An invasion of a more serious nature was made in
July. On the eleventh of that month. Sir Thomas Hardy,
with a strong force, made a descent on Moose Island,
and after taking posses&iuu ui i^astport, declared all the
islands and tovvus on me eastern side of Passarnaquoddy
Bay, to appertain to nis I3ritannic majesty, and required
the inhabiiams to appear within seven days, and take the
oath of allegiance. About two thirds of the inhabitants
submitted ; but, in the month of August, the council of
the province of New-Brunswick declared, that notwith-
standing the oath of allegiance, they should be consider-
ed as a conquered people, and placed under military go-
vernment, iiiastport was soon after strongly fortified ;
tut it was found extremely difficult for the enemy to sub-
THE UNITED STATES. 327
sist his troops, and the desertions were so frequent as to
render it almost impossible to keep up a garrison. *
The commodore soon after sailed with a part of his
squadron, for the purpose of attacking Stonington. The
appearance of this force excited much alarm, which was
not diminished when they received a message from the
commodore, to remove the women and children, as he
had received orders to reduce the place to ashes. The
inhabitants, although with very trifling means of defence,
determined to make an attempt to save their property.
The handful of militia of the place repaired to a smal^
battery erected on the shore, and to a breastwork thrown
up for musketry, and at the same time despatched an ex-
press to obtain assistance from General Gushing, com-
manding at New-London.
In the evening, five barges and a large launch, filled
with men, approached the shore, under cover of a heavy
fire from the ships. The Americans, reserving their
fire until the enemy were within short grape distance,
opened their two eighteen pounders, and soon compelled
the invaders to retire out of the reach of their battery.
They next proceeded to another part of the town, which
they supposed defenceless ; but a part of the militia be-
ing detached thither with a six pounder, the barges were
again repulsed ; the enemy then retired to their ships, but
determined to renew the attack in the morning; and, in
the meantime, kept up a bombardment until midnight.
The next morning it was discovered, that one of the ene-
my's vessels had approached within pistol shot of the bat-
tery, and the barges advanced in still greater numbers
than the day before ; these were again gallantly repulsed,
and the vessel driven from her anchorage. The squad-
ron then renewed the bombardment of the town, but with-
out effect ; and on the twelfth, the commodore though
proper to retire.
The inhabitants, after this gallant defence, which, con-
sidering the means with which it was effected, and the
great disparity of force opposed to them, deserve much
praise, once more occupied their dwellings in security.
It was not long after this that the British occupied all that
part of the district of Maine, between Penobscot river
338 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
and Passamaquoddy Bay, and declared it to be held as a
colony.
On the first of September, the Governor of Nova Sco-
tia and Admiral Griffith entered the Penobscot River, and
took possession of Castine, which the garrison had pre-
viously evacuated. A proclamation was then issued, de-
claring that possession of that part of the province of
Maine, east of the Penobscot, was formally taken in the
name of his Britannic majesty. The country, which con-
tained about thirty thousand inhabitants, was then gradu-
ally occupied, and possessed until the conclusion of the
war.
The naval incidents of eighteen hundred and fourteen,
are as grateful to American feelings as those of the two
former years. An occurrence took place in the very be-
ginning of the year, which afforded to us as much cause
for triumph, as of mortification to the enemy. In the
month of February, Commodore Rodgers, on his return
from a cruise in the President, found himself off' Sandy
Hook, within a short distance of three large British ships
of war, the nearest of which was the Plantagenet, a se-
venty-four. Believing that an engagement with one or
all of them was unavoidable, he cleared his ship for ac-
tion, determined not to surrender, without selling his
ship as dearly as he could. But notwithstanding lie fired
several guns to windward, as a proof of his willingness
to engage, the British vessels did not think proper to ap-
proach, and he safely reached New-York. Captain Lloyd
of the Plantagenet, after returning to England, accounted
for his conduct, by alleging a mutiny in his ship, and se-
veral of his sailors were executed on the charge.
Another affair took place soon after, which furnished a
still stronger proof of the now acknowledged superiority
of America upon the ocean, an acknowledgment more
strongly expressed than by words. In the month of
April, Captain Stewart was also on his return in the Con-
stitution, after a cruise, when he was chased by two
British frigates and a brig, but escaped, by superior sea-
manship, into Marblehead. Some time before, after cap-
turing the public schooner Pictou, he fell in with the Bri-
tish frigate La Pique, Captain Maitland, who fled on the
THE UNITED STATES. 329
approach of the Constitution, and finally escaped during
the night, after a long chase. Captain Maitland was com-
plimented by the board of admiralty, for thus obeying
their instructions, in not fighting an American frigate sin-
gly ; it having been determined, that not less than two
frigates could be a match for an American.
The enemy had become equally shy of the gun-boat
flotilla. Commodore Lewis repeatedly beat off the Bri-
tish vessels near Sandy Hook, and facilitated the return
of the American ships. The Regent, loaded with a very
valuable cargo, was chased by the Belvidera, when Com-
modore Lewis, throwing himself, with eleven of his gun-
boats between them, the frigate moved off without re-
turning the shot of the gun-boats.
That brave and adventurous seaman, Commodore Por-
ter, terminated this year his glorious cruise in the Pacific.
From Lima, in the neighbourhood of which he had chas-
tised the pirates of the ship Nereyda, he proceeded to the
Gallipagos, where he cruised from April, 1813, until Oc-
tober ; and, in the course of that time, captured twelve
British armed whale ships, carrying, in all, one hundred
and seven guns, and three hundred and two men.
Several of these were equipped as American cruisers
and store-ships ; and the Atlantic, now called the Essex
Junior, of twenty guns, and sixty men, was assigned to
Lieutenant Dovvnes. The prizes which were to be laid
up, were convoyed by this officer to Valparaiso. On his
return, he brought intelligence to Commodore Porter,
that a British squadron, consisting of one frigate, and two
sloops of war, and a store ship of twenty guns, had sailed
in quest of the Essex. The commodore, having been
almost a year at sea, with little intermission, found it ab-
solutely necessary that his ship should undergo consider-
able repairs. With this view he steered to the island of
Nooaheeva, or Madison's Island, which he so named in
honour of the President.
Here he found a fine bay, and a situation in every re-
spect suitable to his wishes, the inhabitants apparently
friendly. But it was not long before he found that his
situation would be unsafe, in consequence of a war which
prevailed between the inhabitants of a neighbouring vil
28*
330 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
lage, and those among whom he had been received.
These insisted upon his joining them in their wars, and
threatened to drive him away if he did not. The com-
modore was compelled, by a regard to his own safety, to
send a party of sailors with the natives, who, by their as*
sistance, defeated their enemies ; and, by the interference
of the commodore, a peace w r as brought about between
them. In consequence of this the natives erected a vil-
lage for the commodore, freely traded with him for pro^
visions, and for some time the greatest harmony prevailed.
His safety was again threatened by the conduct of the
Typees, an inland tribe, one of the most warlike on the
island, and which still continued hostile, and who were
continually urging the friendly Indians to destroy the
strangers.
The commodore found his situation" growing every day
more critical. He, therefore, resolved to pursue the course
necessary to ensure his safety, and which has always
been held justifiable in our intercourse with uncivilized
men, who are only to be restrained from violence and in-
justice, by terror. He had succeeded thus far by peace-
able means, and, by the permission of the natives, in
placing his vessel in a state to be repaired ; but should the
tribes around him become inimical, (and what confidence
can any one repose in the faith of a savage, who regards
only force,) he might be in greater danger in his present
situation.
He was very unwilling to engage in war with them ; to
prevent the necessity he sent them a present, and request-
ed that they would remain quiet, and be at peace. This
had no other effect than to increase their insolence to the
Americans, whom they represented as a cowardly race$
or they would not have condescended to beg for peace.
This enmity was naturally enough engendered by their
jealousy of the tribes who had the benefit of the traffic
with the whites, and by this means obtained articles from
them, according to their estimation, of great value.
The commodore now discovered that his safety depend-
ed entirely upon making these people feel his strength, as
it was impossible for him, in his present situation, to
leave the island until his vessel could be repaired, and
THE UNITED STATES. 331
while the greater part of his effects were actually on shore.
He therefore set off. at the head of thirty-five men, against
these people, determined to give them battle, and, by
showing the efficacy of his weapons, compel them to be
at peace. The tribes, heretofore friendly, were on the
point of breaking out into hostilities, and were only in-
duced to wait the result of this expedition, of which they
were little more than silent spectators. The commodore
had in vain endeavoured to convince them of the destruc-
tive nature of his fire-arms, by shooting at rocks and
trees ; war was absolutely unavoidable. But the small
force with which he marched, was insufficient to make any
impression.
Their country being exceedingly mountainous, and
abounding in thickets, rendered it easy for them to es*
cape. The commodore was therefore- compelled to re-
turn in a worse situation than before. To prevent the
friendly Indians from rising, he found it necessary to inform
them that he would proceed the next day with the greater
part of his men. A large body was now marched across
the mountains, notwithstanding the extreme difficulties of
the route, and penetrated into their valley ; but the natives,
as usual, took refuge in their inaccessible fastnesses. The
only mode of causing them to feel the consequences of
their conduct, was in the destruction of their villages ;
nine of them were accordingly burnt, after which the party
retreated.
The Typees now gladly accepted terms of peace, and
all the tribes on the island, soon after, were recon-
ciled to each other ; a circumstance which the oldest
amongst them did not recollect to have seen ; and they
vied with each other in friendship towards the whites
while the commodore remained.
We have now to record a most singular fact, and one
which speaks volumes for the prowess of our little navy.
During the third year, every naval combat, without a
single exception, Avhere there was any thing like an
equality of force, terminated in favour of the Americans.
The sloop of war Peacock, launched in October, performed
a cruise during the winter, and on her return was chased
into St. Mary's. She soon after put to sea again, and on
332 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
the twenty-ninth of April discovered the brig of war Epef-
vier, Captain Wales, having several vessels under con-
voy. Captain Warrington engaged the Epervier, while
the others were making their escape. At the first broad-
side, the foreyard of the Peacock was totally disabled by
two round shot in the starboard quarter. By this she w r as
deprived of the use of her fore and fore-topsail, and was
obliged to keep aloof during the remainder of the action,
which lasted forty-two minutes. In this time she received
considerable damage in her rigging, but her hull was not
at all injured.
The Epervier struck, having five feet water in her hold,
her topmasts over her side, her main boom shot away, her
foremast cut nearly in two, her rigging and stays shot away,
her hull pierced by forty-five shot, twenty of which were
within a foot of her water line. Eleven of her crew Avere
killed, and her first lieutenant and fourteen men wounded.
She was immediately taken possession of by Lieutenant
Nicholson, first olficer of the Peacock, who, with Lieu-
tenant Vorhees, of the same ship, had been already dis-
tinguished in another naval action. The sum of one hun-
dred and eighteen thousand dollars in specie was found in
her, and transferred to the Peacock. Captain Warrington
immediately repaired, with his prize, to one of the south-
ern ports.
The day following, the captain discovered two frigates
in chase. At the suggestion of Lieutenant Nicholson, he
took all the prisoners on board the Peacock, and leaving
a sufficient number on board the Epervier for the purpose
of navigating her, he directed her to seek the nearest port.
By skilful seamanship the captain succeeded in escaping
from the enemy's ships, and reached Savannah, where he
found his prize. Lieutenant Nicholson, by his good ma-
nagement, had brought her in, after encountering very
great difficulties.
The new sloop of war Wasp, Captain Blakeley, sailed
from Portsmouth on the first of May, and after capturing
seven merchantmen, fell in with the British brig of war
the Reindeer, Captain Manners, which she captured after
an action of eighteen minutes. On the sixth of July, be-
ing in chase of two vessels, he discovered the Reindeer
THE UNITED STATES. 333
and immediately altered his course, and hauled by the
wind in chase of her. At fifteen minutes past one, Cap-
tain Blakeley prepared for action ; but it was not before
fifteen minutes after three, in consequence of their ma-
noeuvring, and the endeavours of the Reindeer to escape,
that they approached sufficiently near to engage. Seve-
ral guns were fired from the Wasp before her antagonist
could bring her guns to bear; her helm was then put
alee, and at twenty-six minutes after three, Captain
Blakeley commenced the action with his after carronades
on the starboard side, and fired in succession. Shortly
after, the larboard bow coming in contact with the Wasp,
Captain Manners gave orders to board, but the attempt
was gallantly repulsed by the crew of the Wasp, and the
enemy was several times repelled; at forty-four minutes
past three, orders were given to board in turn. Throw-
ing themselves with promptitude upon her deck, they
succeeded in the execution of their orders ; and, at forty
minutes past four the flag of the enemy's ship came
down. She was almost cut to pieces, and half her crew
was killed and wounded. The loss of the Wasp was five
killed, and twenty-one wounded ; among the latter, Mid-
shipmen Langdon and Toscan, both of whom expired
some days after. The Reindeer having been found alto-
gether unmanageable, was blown up, and Captain Blakeley
steered for L'Orient, to provide for the wounded of both
crews.
After leaving L'Orient, and capturing two valuable Bri-
tish merchantmen. Captain Blakeley fell in with a fleet of
ten sail, under convoy of the Armada seventy-four, and a
bomb ship. He stood for them, and succeeded in cutting
out of the squadron a brig laden with brass and iron can-
non, and military stores, from Gibraltar ; after taking out
the prisoners, and setting her on fire, he endeavoured to
cut out another, but was chased off by the seventy-four.
In the evening, at half past six, he descried two vessels,
one on his starboard, and one on his larboard bow, and
hauled for that which was farthest to windward. At
seven she was discovered to be a brig of war, and at
twenty-nine minutes past nine she was under the lee bow
of the Wasp. An action soon after commenced, which
UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
lasted until ten o'clock, when Captain Blakeley, supposing
his antagonist to be silenced, ceased firing, and demanded
if he had surrendered. No answer being returned, he
commenced firing, and the enemy returned broadside for
broadside for twelve minutes, when, perceiving that the two
last were not returned, he hailed again, and was informed
that she was sinking, and that her commander had struck.
Before the Wasp's boat could be lowered, a second
brig of war was discovered : the crew were instantly sent
to their quarters, and the Wasp was standing to for the
approach of the stranger, w r hen two other brigs appeared;
he now made sail, and endeavoured to draw the first one
after him, but without effect. The name of the prize has
since been ascertained to have been the Avon, Captain
Arbuthnot, of the same force as the Reindeer. She sunk
immediately after the last man had been taken out of her.
She had eight killed, and thirty-one wounded, including
her captain, and several other officers.
The Wasp soon repaired her damage, and continued
on her cruise. On the twenty-first of September, she
captured, off the Madeiras, her thirteenth prize, the Bri-
tish brig Atalanta, of eight guns, and the only one she sent
into port. The return of this vessel, after her brilliant
cruise, was for along time fondly looked for by our coun-
try ; but all hope has at last vanished of ever seeing her
again. There is but little doubt that the brave comman
der, and the gallant crew, have found a common grave in
the waste of ocean ; but they will always live in the fond
gratitude and recollection of their country.
The loss of the frigate President was severely felt at
the time, of which the following is an unvarnished tale.
The blockade of Commodore Decatur's squadron, at
New-London, having been continued until after the sea-
son had passed in which there existed any prospect of
escape, the ships were ordered up the river, and dispersed,
while the commodore, with his crew, were transferred to
the President, then at New- York. A cruise was contem-
plated, in conjunction with the Peacock, the Hornet, and
the Tom Bowline store ship. The commodore, thinking
it more safe to venture out singly, appointed a place of
rendezvous, and ordered the other vessels to follow. In
THE UNITED STATES. 335
consequence of the negligence of the pilot, the President
struck upon the bar, and remained there thumping for two
hours, by which her ballast was deranged, and her trim
for sailing entirely lost. The course of the \vind pre-
vented from returning into port ; he put to sea, trusting to
the excellence of his vessel. At daylight he fell in with
a British squadron, consisting of the Endymion, Tenedos
and Pomone frigates, and the Majestic razee. In spite
of every exertion they gained upon him ; the foremost,
the Endymion, got close under his quarters and com-
menced firing. The commodore determined to bear up
and engage her, with the intention of carrying her by
boarding, and afterwards escaping in her, and abandon-
ing his own ship. In this he was prevented by the ma-
nceuvering of the enemy, who protracted the engagement
for two hours, until the rest of the squadron were fast
gaining upon them.
He now assailed the Endymion, and in a short time
completely silenced her, leaving her a wreck. The Pre-
sident was also considerably damaged, having lost twenty-
five men, killed and wounded ; among the former, Lieu-
tenant Babit and Hamilton, and acting Lieutenant Howell ;
among the latter, the commodore himself, and midship-
man Dale, who afterwards died. On the approach of the
squadron, the gallant commodore, unwilling to sacrifice
the lives of his men in a useless contest, on receiving the
fire of the nearest frigate, surrendered. On this occasion
we cannot pass in sile'nce the dishonourable conduct of
the British officers of the navy, where such ought least to
have been expected.
The generous and heroic character of Decatur is ac-
knowledged wherever the American flag is known, and
requires no testimony in its support, for the British therr-
selves have often declared their admiration of this chival-
rous officer. The commodore was taken on board the
Endymion, for the purpose of acting the miserable farce
of surrendering his sword to the officer of a frigate of equal
size, but which would have fallen into the hands of the
commodore, but for the approach of the squadron. De-
catur indignantly refused to give up his sword to any
one but the commander of the squadron. Another arti
336 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
fice was actually resorted to, in order to satisfy the
good people of England that the President was a se-
venty-four in disguise : she was lightened, laid in dock,
along side of an old seventy-four, diminished to appear-
ance by being deeply laden. Thus, it seems, a British
frigate had captured an American seventy-four. The
naval superiority of Great Britain was therefore no longer
doubted.
The following account of several naval victories seems
almost incredible, but they are too well authenticated to
leave a doubt on the mind of those who are willing to
credit on the best of human testimony.
Not the least among the exploits of our naval heroes,
was the capture of two of the enemy's ships of war by
the Constitution, Captain Stewart. Having sailed on a
cruise, he discovered two ships, one of which bore up for the
Constitution, but soon after changed her course, to join her
consort. The Constitution gave chase to both, and at six
P. M. ranged ahead of the sternmost, brought her on the
quarter, her consort on the bow, and bpened a broadside,
which was immediately returned. An exchange of broad-
sides continued until both ships were enveloped in smoke,
upon the clearing away of which, the Constitution finding
herself abreast of the headmost ship, Captain Stewart or-
dered both sides to be manned, backed topsails, and drop-
ped into his first position.
The ship on the bow backed sails also. The Constitu-
tion's broadsides were then fired from the larboard batte-
ry, and in a few moments the ship on the bow, perceiving
her error in getting sternboard, filled away with the in-
tention of tacking athwart the bows of the Constitution,
while the other fell off entirely unmanageable. The Con-
stitution then filled away in pursuit of the former, and
coming within a hundred yards, gave her several raking
broadsides, and so crippled her that no further apprehen-
sions were entertained of her ability to escape ; the cap-
tain therefore returned to the first which immediately
struck. Possession was then taken of her ay L aitenant
Hoffman, and proved to be the frigs*p *>* Captain
Gordon Falcon, of thirty-four guns.
Captain Stewart then steered in pursuit ^ it e other
THE UNITED STATES. 337
vessel, and after a short resistance, in which*she suffered
considerably, she struck, with five feet water in her hold.
She proved to be the sloop of war Levant, of eighteen
thirty-two pound carronades. The loss on board the two
ships amounted to about eighty in killed and wounded ;
on board the Constitution there were four killed and ele-
ven wounded ; but the ship received a very trifling injury.
On the tenth of March, Captain Stewart entered the har-
bour of Port Praya with his prizes, and on the eleventh,
a British squadron of two sixty gun ships and a frigate
appeared off the entrance of the harbour ; Captain Stew-
art, having no faith in his security in this neutral port,
made sail with his prize, the Cyane, and though closely
pursued, had the good fortune to escape into the United
States. The Levant was recaptured in a Portuguese
port, in contempt of the neutral state. These are acts of
injustice in which no nation can ever prosper.
The Peacock, Hornet, and Tom Bowline, left New-
York a few days after the President, without having re-
ceived information of her capture. On the 23d of Janu-
ary, 1815, the Hornet parted company, and directed her
course to Tristan d'Acuna, the place of rendezvous. On
the 23d of March, she descried the British brig Penguin,
Captain Dickinson, of eighteen guns and a twelve pound
carronade, to the eastward and southward of the island.
Captain Bicldle hove to, while the Penguin bore down ;
at forty minutes past one, the British vessel commenced
the engagement. The firing was hotly kept up for fifteen
minutes, the Penguin gradually nearing the Hornet with
the intention to board, her captain having given orders
for this purpose, but was killed by a grape shot ; her lieu-
tenant then bore her up, and running her bowsprit be-
tween the main and mizzen rigging of the Hornet, gave
orders to board. His men, however, perceiving the crew
of the Hornet ready to receive them, refused to follow him.
At this moment, the heavy swell of the sea lifted the
Hornet ahead, and the enemy's bowsprit carried away
her mizzen shrouds and spanker boom, and the Penguin
hung upon the Hornet's quarter., with the loss of her fore-
mast and bowsprit. Her commander then called out that
he had surrendered ; and Captain Biddle ordered his men
29
338 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
to cease firiftg. At this moment an officer of the Hornet
called to Captain Biddle, that a man was taking aim at him
in the enemy's shrouds ; he had scarcely changed his po-
sition, when a musket ball struck him in the neck, and
wounded him severely. Two marines immediately level-
led their pieces at the wretch, and killed him before he
brought his gun from his shoulder. The Penguin had.
by that time, got clear of the Hornet, and the latter wore
round to give the enemy a fresh broadside, when they
cried out a second time that they had surrendered. It
was with great difficulty that Captain Biddle could re-
strain his crew, who were exasperated at the conduct of
the enemy.
In twenty-two minutes after the commencement of the
action, she was taken possession of by Lieutenant Mayo,
of the Hornet. The Penguin was so much injured, that
Captain Biddle determined on taking out her crew and
scuttling her ; and afterwards sent off his prisoners by
the Tom Bowline, which by this time had joined him with
the Peacock. The enemy lost fourteen in killed, and
twenty-eight wounded ; the Hornet, one killed and eleven
wounded ; among the latter, her Lieutenant, Conner, dan-
gerously.
Captain Biddle, being compelled to part from the Pea-
cock by the appearance of a British ship of the line, after
being closely pursued for several days, effected his escape
into St. Salvador, where the news of peace soon after ar-
rived. The capture of the Cyane, the Levant, and the
Penguin, took place before the expiration of the time li-
mited by the second article of the treaty of peace.
The exploit? of the privateers continued to rival those
of our national vessels. In one instance the enemy was
compelled to pay dearly for his disregard of the sanctua-
ry of a neutral port. The privateer Armstrong lay at
anchor in the harbour of Fayal, when a British squadron,
consisting of the Carnation, the Plantagenet, and the
Rota, hove in sight. Captain Reid, of the privateer, dis-
covering, by the light of the moon, that the enemy kad
put out his barges, and was preparing to attack him,
cleared for action, and moved near the shore. Four
boats, filled with men, approached, and making no answer
THE UNITED STATES. 339
on being hailed, a fire was opened upon them, which was
returned, but they soon called out for quarters, and were
permitted to haul off. They then prepared for a more
formidable attack; the privateer was now anchored within
a cable's length of the shore, and within pistol shot of the
castle.
The next day they sent a fleet of boats, supported by
the Carnation, which stood before the harbour, to prevent
the escape of the privateer. At midnight the boats ap-
proached a second time, to the number of twelve or four-
teen, manned with several hundred men. They were
suffered to approach along side of the privateer ; and,
without waiting an attack, they were assailed with such
astonishing fury, that, in forty minutes, scarcely a man of
them was left alive. During these attacks the shores
were lined with the inhabitants, who, from the brightness
of the moon, had a full view of the scene. The gover-
.nor, with the first people of the place, stood by and saw
the whole affair. After the second attack, the governor
sent a note to the commander of the Plantagenet, Cap-
tain Lloyd, requesting him to desist, but was answered,
that he determined to have the privateer at the risk of
knocking down the town.
The American consul having communicated this infor-
mation to Captain Reid, he ordered his crew to save their
effects as fast as possible, and to carry the dead and
wounded on shore. At daylight the Carnation stood close
to the Armstrong, and commenced a heavy fire ; but being
considerably cut up by the privateer, she hauled off to re-
pair. Captain Reid now thinking it useless to protract
the contest, on her re-appearance, scuttled his vessel, and
escaped to shore. The British loss amounted to the
astonishing number of one hundred and twenty killed,
and one hundred and thirty wounded ; that of the Ameri-
cans was only two killed and seven wounded. Several
houses in the town were destroyed, and some of the in-
habitants wounded.
Before closing this chapter, it may not be improper to
make a few remarks on war generally. In its most civi-
lized modes of destruction, it is, indeed, a dreadful
scourge. The distress which it occasions is incalculable
340 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
and immeasurable ; and we may venture a declaration,
that all the benefit ever derived from the practice of mu-
tual destruction, can never balance the evils, even could
they be realized.
That the mode of savage warfare is more dreadful than
that of the more civilized, is undoubted ; but the inference
is not, therefore, in favour of hostilities in any degree.
That the loss of blood, and treasure, and moral feeling,
are more than a fair equivalent for any supposed benefits
in expectation, is evident to every reflecting mind, even
without bringing int$ the account the dreadful inroads
which it makes in the domestic circle. But, if we add to
this the violence which it does to the principles of the
Christian religion, who shall fathom it ?
CHAPTER XV.
Operations of the Army on the Frontiers.
General Brown, and his officers, .were employed in dis-
ciplining the troops, and collecting forces, destined to dis-
lodge the British from the American posts which they
still occupied. In the beginning of July, the' American
forces amounted to but two brigades of regulars, and one
of New-York volunteers, under Generals Porter and
Swift, with a few Indians.
In the meantime, the force of the enemy, under Gene-
ral Drurnmond, had been greatly increased, by the addi-
tion of a number of veteran regiments, which, since the
pacification of Europe, Great Britain had been enabled to
send to this country.
The first attack was on Fort Erie, which was garrisoned
by one hundred and seventy men, which was taken by
surprise. The second attempt was upon Major General
Riall, who occupied an entrenched camp at Chippewa.
This led to the first regular pitched battle during the war,
and victory declared for the Americans, and the British
were compelled to retire into the camp.
The events of the war now began to thicken, and its
THE UNITED STATES. 341
character assumed the most sanguinary aspect. The vic-
tory already obtained by the Americans over men supe-
rior in numbers and discipline, enraged General -Drum-
mond to madness. But the enemy was obliged to fall
back to Queenstown, and finally took post at Burlington
Heights. The flush of victory on one side, and the pride
of military glory on the other, led to deeds of intrepid
daring unexampled in the former progress of the war.
Skirmishing was constant and severe, and every move-
ment seemed to be of a decisive character. In these ren-
contres, the loss on both sides, especially of officers, was
very great.
A specimen of the obstinate perseverance of the Ame-
rican troops, was exhibited near the cataracts of Niagara,
\vhich has few parallels. The enemy occupied an emi-
nence well fortified, and defended by thrice the number
of men mustered by the Americans, while the latter sus-
tained the unequal conflict more than an hour, when
orders were given to advance, and charge the enemy's
heights, and break the British line. But the order was
countermanded.
The British now pressed forward on the ninth, which,
with wonderful firmness, withstood the attack of their
overwhelming numbers ; but reduced at length to nearly
one half, and being compelled, at every moment, to repel
fresh charges of the British, Colonel Leavenworth de-
spatched a messenger to General Scott, to communicate
its condition. The general rode up in person, roused the
flagging spirits of his brave men with the pleasing intelli-
gence that reinforcements were expected every moment,
and besought them to hold their ground.
Lieutenant Riddle, already well known as a reconnoi-
tering officer, was the first to come to the assistance of
his fellow soldiers, having been drawn to the place by the
sound of the cannon while out with a scouting party.
The same circumstance induced General Brown to pro-
ceed rapidly to the scene of action, giving orders to Ge-
neral Ripley to follow with the second brigade. On his
way he was met by Major Jones, and, from his informa-
tion, he was induced to order up General Porter, with the
volunteers together with the artillery.
29*
342 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
So far, the Americans had repelled every attack with
the most unyielding courage, but the situation of the bri-
gade was very critical. The desperate efforts of the
troops led General Riall to overrate the numbers to which
he was opposed, and he sent to General Drummond for
reinforcements.
About this time an awful pause ensued between the two
armies ; for a time no sound broke upon the stillness of
the night, but the groans of the wounded, mingling with
the distant din of the cataract of Niagara. The shattered
regiments were consolidated into one brigade, and placed
as a reserve under Colonel Brady, who, though severely
wounded, refused to quit the field. The silence was once
more interrupted by the arrival of General Ripley's bri-
gade, Major Hindrnan's artillery, and General Porter's
volunteers, and, at the same time, of General Drummond,
with reinforcements.
In the meantime, that accomplished young officer,
Major Jessup, who had been ordered, in the early part of
the action, to take post on the right, had succeeded, during
the engagement, after encountering great difficulty, in
turning the left flank of the enemy. At the present mo-
ment, taking ad vantage -of the darkness of the night, and
the incaution of the enemy, he threw his regiment in the
rear of their reserve, and, surprising one detachment after
another, made prisoners of so many of their officers and
men, that his progress was greatly impeded. The laws
of war would have justified him in putting them to death;
" but the laurel, in his opinion, was most glorious when
entwined by the hand of mercy;" he, therefore, spared
them, under circumstances where they certainly would
not have spared him.
One of his officers, Captain Ketchum, had the good
fortune to make prisoner of General Riall, and of the aid
of General Drummond ; the latter a most fortunate cir-
cumstance, as it prevented the concentration of the Bri-
tish force, contemplated by that officer, before the Ameri-
cans were prepared for his reception. After disposing of
his prisoners, Major Jessup felt his way to the place
where the hottest fire was kept up on the brigade to which
he belonged, and drew up his regiment behind a fence on
THE UNITED STATES. 343
the side of the Queenstown road, but in the rear of a
party of British infantry, drawn up on the opposite side
of the same road ; he suddenly gave them a destructive
fire, on which they broke and fled. " The major," says
General Brown, "showed himself to his own army in a
blaze of fire." He was ordered to form on the right of
the second brigade.
The following instance of generalship, by which this
sanguinary contest was decided, is of so daring a nature,
and so completely developes the American character, that
it will be inserted entire.
General Ripley's brigade had by this time been formed
for action, when orders were given for it to advance to the
support of General Scott, against whom a fire w T as now
directed, which he could not long withstand. General
Ripley, with the quick discernment which characterizes
the real commander, seeing that too much time would be
lost before he could make his way through the skirt of
the woods in the darkness of the night, decided at once,
upon his own responsibility, to adopt the only measure
from which he saw a hope ; and which being made known
to the commander in chief, he instantly sanctioned.
The enemy's artillery occupied a hill, which was the
key to the whole position, and it would be in vain to hope
for victory, while they were permitted to retain it.
Addressing himself to Colonel Miller, he inquired,
whether he could storm the batteries at the head of the
twenty-first, while he would himself support him with
the younger regiment, the twenty-third. To this the
wary but intrepid veteran replied, in an unaffected phrase,
I WILL TRY, SIR ; words, which were afterwards given
as the motto of his regiment.
The twenty-third was formed in close column, under
its commander, Major M'Farland, and the first regiment,
under Colonel Nicholas, was left to keep the enemy in
check. The two regiments moved on to one of the most
perilous charges ever attempted ; the whole of the artil-
lery opened upon them as they advanced, supported by a
powerful line of infantry. The twenty-first advanced
steadily to its purpose ; the twenty-third faltered on re-
ceiving the deadly fire of the enemy, but was soon rallied
344 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
by the personal exertions of General Ripley. When
within a hundred yards of the summit, they received an-
other dreadful discharge, by which Major M'Farland was
killed, and the command devolved on Major Brooks. To
the amazement of the British, the intrepid Miller firmly
advanced, until within a few paces of their line, when he
impetuously charged upon the artillery, which, after a
short but desperate resistance, yielded their whole bat-
tery, and the American line was in a moment formed in
the rear, upon the ground previously occupied by the Bri-
tish infantry.
During the charge, General Riall was taken prisoner,
and the effect may easily be imagined. But this brilliant
exploit seemed to spur on the enemy to redoubled exer-
tions. Being reinforced, the British marched with quick
step on the Americans, who reserved their fire until it
could become deadly. The whole British division came
within twenty paces of the lines, when the well directed
fire from our troops put them into confusion. But they
rallied to the attack, and the conflict became tremendous.
But the enemy yielded, and retired down the hill. The
contest was, however, soon renewed by the British, with
the same results.
Disheartened by these repeated defeats, the British were
on the point of yielding the contest, when they received
fresh reinforcements from fort Niagara, which revived
their spirits, and induced them to make another and still
more desperate struggle. After taking an hour to refresh
themselves, and recovering from their fatigue, they ad-
vanced with a new and more extended line, and with con-
fident hopes of being able to overpower the Americans,
who thus far had been denied both refreshment and re-
pose.
Our countrymen had stood to their arms during all this
time, their canteens exhausted, and many almost fainting
with thirst ; and, from the long interval, they had begun
to cherish hopes that the enemy had yielded. In this
they were disappointed ; but on discovering the approach
of the British, their courageous spirit returned, and they
resolved never to yield the glorious trophies of their vic-
tory, until they could contend no longer.
THE UNITED STATES. 345
The British delivered their fire at the same distance as
on the last onset, which was returned by the Americans
with the same deadly effect; but they did "not fall back
with the same precipitation; a fresh line supplied the
place of the first, and the whole steadily advanced.
A conflict, dreadful beyond description, ensued ; the
twenty-first, under its brave leader, firmly withstood the
shock. The right and left repeatedly fell back, but were
again rallied by the general, by Colonels Miller, Nicholas,
and Jessup. At length the two lines closed with each
other on the very summit of the hill, which they contested
with terrific violence at the point of the bayonet.
Such was the obstinacy of the contest, that many bat-
talions, on both sides, were forced back, and the contend-
ing parties became mingled with each other. Nothing
could exceed the desperation of the conflict at the point
where the cannon was stationed. The enemy having
forced himself into the very midst of Major Hindman's
artillery, this officer was compelled to spike two of his
pieces, and was warmly engaged across the carriages and
guns. General Ripley now pressing upon the enemy's
flanks, compelled them to give way, and the centre soon
following the example, the whole British line fled a third
time, and no exertions of their officers could restrain them,
until they placed themselves out of the reach of the mus-
ketry and artillery. The British being now completely
beaten, retired beyond the borders of the field, leaving
their dead and wounded.
The loss on this occasion was in proportion to the ob-
stinacy of the conflict, the whole being seventeen hundred
and twenty-nine; of which the British amounted to twenty-
seven more than the Americans.
The intention of the American commander was to re-
new the action in the morning, but finding that he had but
fifteen hundred men fit for duty, and that the British were
drawn up in considerable force, General Ripley determin-
ed not to commence an attack. He then retreated to Erie,
and extended its defences. Having been reinforced by a
thousand men, the enemy appeared before Fort Erie'on
the 3d of August, and commenced with regular approaches.
By the 7th, the defences were sufficient to keep the enemy
346 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
at bay. Until the 14th, the cannonade was incessant, and
the enemy gained ground, but in skirmishes, the Ameri
cans were generally victorious.
General Gaines now commanded at Erie, and Colonel
Drummond was preparing to assail him. At half-past two
in the morning, the attack was commenced by three co-
lumns. On the second attempt, the British gained the pa-
apet, and the enemy received the orders of Colonel Drum-
mond, to " give no quarter /" The order was faithfully
executed, and a terrible strife ensued. Colonel Drum-
mond was shot in the breast, but the enemy still main-
tained their position ; but they were finally defeated.
The British loss in this assault was two hundred and
twenty-two killed, including fourteen officers of distinction;
one hundred and seventy-four wounded, and one hundred
and eighty-six prisoners. The Americans lost seventeen
killed, fifty- six wounded, and ten prisoners.
Nothing further of particular importance transpired,
until the seventeenth of September, when General Brown,
observing that the enemy had just completed a battery,
which could open a most destructive fire, the neyt day
planned a sortie, which has been considered a military
chef d'oeuvre. The British force consisted of three bri-
gades, of one thousand five hundred men each, one of
which was stationed at the works in front of Fort Erie,
the other two occupied a camp two miles in the rear.
The design of General Brown was to " storm the batteries,
destroy the cannon, and roughly handle the brigade on
duty, before those in reserve could be brought up." A
road had previously been opened by Lieutenants Riddle
and Frazer, in a circuitous course through the woods,
within pistol shot of the flank of the line of batteries,
and with such secrecy as to have escaped the notice of the
enemy.
At two o'clock, the troops were drawn up in readiness
to make the sortie. The division commanded by General
Porter, was composed of riflemen and Indians under
Colonel Gibson, and two columns, one on the right, com-
manded by Colonel Wood, the left commanded by Gene-
ral Davis, of the New-York militia ; this was to proceed
through the woods, by the road which had 6een opened,
THE UNITED STATES. 347
while the right division of the troops, in the ravine
already mentioned, was to be stationed between the fort
and the enemy's works, under General Miller, with orders
not to advance until General Porter should have engaged
their flank.
The command of General Porter advanced with so
much celerity and caution, that when they rushed upon
the enemy's flank they gave the first intimation of their
approach. A severe conflict for a moment ensued, in
which those gallant officers, Colonel Gibson, and Colonel
Wood, fell at the head of their columns, and the com-
mand devolved on Lieutenant Colonel M'Donald, and Ma-
jor Brooks. In thirty minutes possession was taken of
both batteries in this quarter, together with a block-house
in the rear, and the garrison made prisoners. Three
twenty-four pounders were rendered useless, and their
magazine blown up by Lieutenant Riddle, who narrowly
escaped the effects of the explosion.
At this moment the division of General Miller came
up ; General Brown having heard the firing had ordered
it to advance. In conjunction with Colonel Gibson's co-
lumn, he pierced between the second and third line of
batteries, and, after a severe contest, carried the first of
these. In this assault General Davis fell, at the head of
his volunteers. The whole of these batteries, and the
two block houses, being in the possession of the Ameri-
cans, General Miller's division inclined to the more formi-
dable batteries toward the lake shore. At this moment
they were joined by the reserve under General Ripley.
Here the resistance was more obstinate, the work being
exceedingly intricate, from the successive lines of en-
trenchments, contrived with studied complexity ; a con-
stant use of the bayonet was the only mode of assailing
them ; the enemy had, also, by this time, received consi-
derable reinforcements. General Miller continued to
advance, although suffering severe loss in some of his
valuable officers : Colonel Aspinwall was badly wounded,
and Major Trimble dangerously. The twenty-first, under
Lieutenant Colonel Upham, forming a part of the reserve,
and part of the seventeenth, uniting with the corps of
General Miller, ch-irged rapidly upon the remaining bat-
348 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
tery, which was instantly abandoned by the British infan-
try and artillery.
General Ripley now ordered a line to be formed, for
the protection of the detachments engaged in destroying
the batteries, and was engaged in making arrangements
for following up, against the rear of General Drurnmond,
the success which had so far transcended expectation,
when he received a wound in the neck, and fell by the
side of Major Brooks ; he was immediately transported
to the fort. The objects of the sortie having been com-
pletely effected, General Miller called in his detachments,
and retired in good order, with the prisoners, and the
trophies of this signal exploit. The American loss in
this affair was five hundred and eleven, that of the enemy
upwards of a thousand, besides their cannon.
On the eighteenth of October, a detachment of nine
hundred Americans was ordered to destroy some stores
at Lyon's Creek, which they effected, after encountering
a party of twelve hundred. The object was effected,
after the loss of sixty-seven killed, wounded and missing.
During the season several expeditions were planned,
but to little purpose. Major Croghan commanded one
destined to regain Michilimackinack, but the main object
was unsuccessful. He effected a landing, but his force
was too feeble, and the plan was given up as hopeless.
He merely destroyed the establishments at St. Mary's
and St. Joseph. General M'Arthur made an incursion
into Canada, dispersing some detachments, destroying
their stores, and taking one hundred and fifty prisoners,
returned without loss.
In the spring of 1814, Commodore Barney took the
command of a small flotilla of gunboats to protect the
inlets, and small rivers, that fall into Chesapeake Bay.
About the 1st of June the enemy entered the Chesapeake
Bay, and renewed their ravages with greater severity
than they had done the past year. Sharp and frequent
rencounters took place upon the water, and upon the
land ; but the enemy succeeded in laying waste the coun-
try, and carrying off the negroes, through the months of
June and July.
About the middle of August, the British entered the
THE UNITED STATES. 349
Chesapeake with a fleet of about sixty sail, including
transports, under Admiral Cockburn, and landed about six
thousand men at Benedict, on the Patuxent, under the
command of General Ross.
On the 22d, General Ross reached the Wood-yard, (so
called) twelve miles from Washington, where Commodore
Barney caused a large flotilla of gunboats to be destroyed,
to prevent their falling into the hands of the enemy.
On the 23d, General Ross reached Bladensburgh, six
miles from Washington, where he dispersed the militia,
after a short resistance, and advanced to the city. Com-
modore Barney had assembled a small force in defence of
the capital, with several eighteen pounders, and made a
stand ; but he was soon overpowered by numbers, wound-
ed and taken prisoner, and the capital fell into the hands
of the enemy. The navy yard was destroyed.
By order of General Ross, the capitol, the president's
house, and executive offices, were burnt. The enemy re-
tired on the night of the 25th, by rapid marches, regained
their ships, and embarked.
The American ladies, always conspicuous in the history
of America, for their patriotic conduct in times of diffi-
culty and danger, never appeared so lovely in their zeal
for their country.
The first object of attack, it was rightly conjectured,
would be Baltimore. The cities of Philadelphia and
New- York waited the result with as much anxiety, as if
their fate depended upon its successful issue. In this
they perhaps had reason ; for should Baltimore fall, during
the panic which succeeded the capture of Washington,
and before the other cities would have time to place them-
selves in an attitude of defence, they could make but a
feeble resistance.
After the first moment of despondency, occasioned by
the capture of Washington, had subsided in Baltimore, and
it was discovered that the place would not be assailed
immediately, the inhabitants set about making prepara*
tions for defence. Under the direction of General Smith,
a ditch was opened, and a breastwork thrown up by the
inhabitants, on the high ground to the north-east, (to effect
which every class of people united,) so as completely to
30
350 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OP
protect the town in the only quarter in which it was ac
cessible by land forces.
In a few days, a considerable number of militia arrived
from Pennsylvania and Virginia ; and the spirits of the
inhabitants were greatly animated by the arrival of the
naval veteran, Commodore Rogers, with his marines, who
took possession of the heavy batteries on the hill.
A brigade of Virginia volunteers, together with the
regulars, was assigned to General Winder, and the city
brigade to General Striker ; the whole under command
of Major-General Smith ; the two latter, distinguished
revolutionary officers. General Striker had served from
the commencement to the conclusion of that Avar, and
shared in many important battles. The approach to the
city by water, was defended by Fort M'Henry, commanded
by Major Armistead, with about sixty artillerists, under
Captain Evans, and two companies of sea fencibles, under
Captains Bunbury and Addison ; of these, thirty-five were
on the sick list.
As this number was insufficient to man the batteries,
Major Armistead was furnished with two companies of
volunteer artillery, under Captain Berry and Lieutenant
Pennington, and a company under Judge Nicholson,
(chief justice of Baltimore county,) which had tendered
its services. Besides these, there was a detachment of
Commodore Barney's flotilla, under Lieutenant-Colonel
Stewart and Major Lane, consisting of detachments from
the twelfth, fourteenth, and thirty-sixth regiments of the
United States troops, which were encamped under the
walls of the fort. The total amounted to about one thou-
sand men.
Two batteries on the right of Fort M'Henry, upon the
Patapsco, to prevent the enemy from landing during the
night, in the rear of the town, were manned, the one by
Lieutenant Newcomb, with a detachment of sailors ; the
other, by Lieutenant Webster, of the flotilla ; the former
was called Fort Covington, the latter, the City Battery.
It was equally important to the safety of the city, that
in the event of an attack by land and naval forces, both
should be repelled ; for in case Fort M'Henry was silenced
by the shipping, there would be nothing to prevent the
THE UNITED STATES. 351
destruction of the town ; and if the land forces of the
enemy were successful, the fort could no longer be of any
avail, and would even be untenable. To the defence of
Fort M'Henry, and to the repulse of the British from the
lines, the inhabitants looked for safety. Independently
of the devastating rrders of Cochrane, and the recent
scenes at Washington and Alexandria, this city was a se-
lected object of the vengeance of the enemy, in conse-
quence of her active and patriotic exertions during the
war. No one can imagine to himself a just picture of
the state of anxious feeling, among fifty thousand people
of all ages and sexes, for the approaching crisis y which
would determine the safety or destruction of their city.
And even in case of successful resistance, the most
painful incertitude hung over the fate of those who were
to risk their lives in its defence ; not strangers or merce-
naries, but their bosom friends, their brothers, their sons
and husbands : every one, even old men and boys, who
could wield a musket, were found in the ranks.
The committee of safety, composed of those advanced
in life, and the most influential citizens, (among whom
was the respectable Colonel Howard, a hero of the revo-
lution,) took a large share in the preparations to meet the
approaching danger.
The British army having re-embarked on board the
fleet in the Patuxent, Admiral Cochrane moved down the
river, and proceeded up the Chesapeake ; and, on the
morning of the eleventh of September, appeared at the
mouth of the Patapsco, about fourteen miles from the city
of Baltimore, with a fleet of ships of war, and transports,
amounting to fifty sail.
On the next day, the land forces, to the number of at
least six thousand men, the veterans of Wellington, de-
barked at North Point, and, under the command of Gene-
ral Ross, took up their march for the city.
General Strieker claimed, for the city brigade under
his command, the honour of being the first to meet the
invader, and was accordingly detached by General Smith,
in anticipation of the landing of the British troops. On
the eleventh General Strieker proceeded on the road to
North Point, at the head of three thousand and two hun-
352 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
dred effective men, consisting of the fifth regiment, under
Lieutenant Colonel Sterett, five hundred and fifty strong;
six hundred and twenty of the sixth, under Lieutenant
Colonel M'Donald ; five hundred of the twenty-seventh,
under Lieutenant Colonel Long ; five hundred and fifty
of the thirty-ninth, under Lieutenant Colonel Fowler ;
seven hundred of the fifty-first, under Lieutenant Colonel
Amey ; one Jiundred and fifty riflemen, under Captain
Dyer ; one hundred and fifty cavalry, under Lieutenant
Colonel Biays ; and the Union Artillery, of seventy-five
men, and six four pounders, under Captain Montgomery,
(attorney general of the state.) A light corps of riflemen
and musketry, under Major Randal, taken from General
Stanbury's brigade, and the Pennsylvania volunteers,
were detached to the mouth of Bear Creek, with orders
to co-operate with General Strieker, and to check any
landing which might be effected in that quarter.
At six o'clock, P. M. General Strieker reached the
meeting-house, near the head of Bear Creek, seven miles
from the city. Here the brigade halted, with the excep-
tion of the cavalry, who were pushed forward to Gor-
such's farm, three miles in advance, and the riflemen,
who took post near the blacksmith's shop, two miles in
advance of the encampment.
The next morning, (the twelfth,) at seven o'clock, in-
formation was received from the videttes, that the enemy
were debarking troops under cover of their gun vessels,
which lay off the bluff at North Point, within the mouth
of the Patapsco River. The baggage was immediately
ordered back under a strong guard, and General Strieker
moved forward the fifth and twenty-seventh regiments,
and the artillery, to the head of Long Log Lane, resting
the fifth with its right on the head of a branch of Bear
Creek, its left on the main road, while the twenty-seventh
was posted on the opposite side of the road, in a line
with the fifth. The artillery was posted at the head of
the lane, in the interval between these two regiments.
The thirty-ninth was drawn up three hundred yards in
the rear of the twenty-seventh, and the fifty-first the same
distance in the rear of the fifth ; the sixth regiment was
THE UNITED STATES. 353
drawn up as a reserve, within sight, half a mile in the
rear of the second line.
Thus judiciously posted, the general determined to
wait an attack, having given orders that the two regiments
composing the front line, should receive the enemy, and,
if necessary, fall back through the fifty-first and thirty-
ninth, and form on the right of the sixth, posted in re-
serve.
,The general now learned, that the British were moving
rapidly up the main road ; and at the'mcment when he
expected their approach to be announced by the riflemen,
stationed in the low thick pine and furs, in advance, great-
ly to his chagrin, he discovered this corps falling back
upon the main position, having listened to a groundless
rumour, that the enemy were landing on Back river, to
cut them off. This part of the general's plan having been
frustrated, he placed the riflemen on the right of his front
line, by this means better securing that flank. The vi-
dettes soon after bringing information that a party of the
enemy were, in a careless manner, carousing at Gorsuch's
farm, several of the officers offered their services to dis-
lodge him. Captains Levering's and Howard's compa-
nies, from the fifth, about one hundred and fifty in num-
ber, under Major Heath, of that regiment; Captain Ais-
quith's, and a few other riflemen, in all about seventy ; a
small piece of artillery, under Lieutenant Stiles, and the
cavalry, were pushed forward, to chastise the insolence of
the enemy's advance, and to evince a wish on the part of
the American army to engage.
The detachment had scarcely proceedod half a mile,
when they came in contact with the main body of the
enemy; a sharp skirmish ensued, in which Major Heath's
horse was shot under him, and several of the Americans
killed and wounded, but not unrevenged, for in this affair
the enemy lost their commander in chief, General Ross.
This officer had imprudently proceeded too far, for the
purpose of reconnoitering, when he was killed by one of
the company of Captain Howard, who was in the advance.
After the death of Ross, the command devolved on
Colonel Brook, who continued to push forward, notwith-
standing this occurrence. The American detachment fell
30*
UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
back; and the general conceiving the two companies of
Howard and Levering to be too much fatigued to share in
the approaching conflict, they were ordered to form on
the reserve, not without a request on their part to be per-
mitted to share in the perils of their townsmen.
At half past two o'clock, the enemy commenced throw-
ing rockets, which did no injury ; and immediately Cap-
tain Montgomery's artillery opened their fire upon them,
which was returned by a six pounder and howitzer upon
the left and centre. The fire was brisk for some minutes,
when the general ordered it to cease on his side, with a
view of bringing the enemy into close canister distance.
Perceiving that the efforts of the British were chiefly
directed against the left flank, the general brought up the
thirty-ninth into line on the left of the twenty-seventh,
and detached two pieces of artillery on the left of the
thirty-ninth; and still more completely to protect this
flank, which was all important, Colonel Amey, of the fif-
ty-first, was ordered to form his regiment at right angles
with the line, resting his right on the left of the thirty-
ninth. The movement was badly executed, and created
some confusion in that quarter, but was soon rectified with
the assistance of the general's aids and Major Stevenson,
and the brigade majors, Calhoun and Frailey.
The enemy's right column now displayed, and advanced
upon the twenty-seventh and thirty-ninth. Unfortunately,
at this juncture, the fifty-first, from some sudden panic,
after giving a random fire, broke and retreated in such
confusion as rendered it impossible to rally it, and occa-
sioned the same disorder in the second battalion of the
thirty-ninth.
The fire by this time became general, from right to left ;
the artillery poured an incessant and destructive stream
upon the enemy's left column, which endeavoured to
shelter itself behind a log house, but this was instantly in
a blaze ; Captain Sadtler having taken the precaution to
fire it, as soon as it was abandoned by him and his yagers.
About ten minutes past three, the British line came on
with a rapid discharge of musketry, which was well re-
turned by the fifth, the twenty-seventh, and the first bat-
talion of the thirty-ninth, who maintained their ground
THE UNITED STATES. 355
in spite of the example set by the intended support on
the left.
The whole of the general's force with this diminution,
scarcely amounted to fourteen hundred, to which was
opposed the whole of the enemy. The fire was inces-
sant, until about twenty-five minutes before four o'clock,
during which time General Strieker gallantly contended
against four times his numbers ; but finding that the une-
qual contest could be maintained no longer, and that the
enemy was about to outflank him, in consequence of the
flight of the fifty-first, he was compelled to retire upon
his reserve, which he effected in good order. Here he
formed his brigade, but the enemy not thinking it advi-
sable to pursue, he fell back, and took post on the left of
the line, half a mile in advance of the intrenchments,
where he was joined by General Winder, who had been
stationed on the west side of the city, but was now or-
dered with the Virginia brigade, and Captain Bird's Uni-
ted States dragoons, to take post on the left of General
Strieker.
The conduct of the Baltimore brigade, with the excep-
tion of the fifty-first, and the second battalion of the thirty-
ninth, who were seized with the panic to which raw troops
are so much subject, deserved the highest praise. Vete-
rans could not have done more. Their loss, in killed
and wounded, amounted to one hundred and sixty-three,
(amongst whom were some of the most respectable citi-
zens of Baltimore,) about an eighth of the force engaged.
Adjutant James Lowry Donaldson, of the twenty-seventh,
(an eminent lawyer,) was killed in the hottest of the fight.
Major Heath and Major Moore, and a number of other
officers, were wounded. The loss of the British was
nearly double that of the Americans, according to their
own acknowledgment, and probably much greater. This
unexpected resistance had a happy effect upon the enemy;
in their official statements, they computed the American
force at six thousand, a great proportion of regulars, and
estimated our loss at one thousand, from which we may
infer their opinion o the manner in which they were
received.
In the mean time the naval attack had already com-
356 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
menced from five bomb vessels, at the distance of two
miles ; when finding themselves sufficiently near, they
anchored, and kept up an incessant bombardment, while
they were at such a distance as to be out of the reach of
the guns of the fort. The situation, although painfully
inactive, was highly perilous ; yet every man stood to his
post without shrinking. One of the twenty-four pound-
ers, on the south-west bastion, under Captain Nicholson,
was dismounted, and killed his second lieutenant and
wounded several of his men. The enemy now approach-
ed somewhat nearer, so as to be within striking distance
A tremendous fire was instantly opened from the fort,
which compelled him precipitately to gain his former po-
sition. The bombardment was kept up during the whole
day and night. The city, thus assailed on both sides,
awaited the result with death-like silence, and yet no eye
was closed in sleep.
Suddenly, about midnight, a tremendous cannonade was
heard in the direction of the fort, and the affrighted popu-
lation believed that all was over. Their fears were soon
quieted, by the information that some barges of the ene-
my, the number not known, had attempted to land, but
were compelled to draw off with all possible haste, after
great slaughter, by Lieutenants Newcomb and Webster,
who commanded the city battery and Fort Coving-ton.
By the next morning the bombardment ceased, after up-
wards of fifteen hundred shells had been thrown ; a large
portion of which burst over the fort, and scattered their
fragments amongst its defenders ; a great number fell
within the works, and materially injured two of the pub-
lic buildings, and two slightly.
The enemy, not willing to abide such rough handling,
retreated under cover of a dark and stormy night, and in
the morning General Winder was detached in pursuit,
but the time which had elapsed was sufficient for embar-
kation, and the rear could not be cut off. The next day
the fleet descended the bay, to the great joy of the inha
bitants of Baltimore.
We shall now return with our readers to the operations
on the northern frontier. About the first of September,
Sir George Prevost led his army to Plattsburgh, while
THE UNITED STATES. 357
the fleet proceeded up the lake on his left, to make &
simultaneous attack by land and water. Before this, lit-
tle of consequence had transpired in this quarter.
The peace in Europe permitted the English govern-
ment to transport large bodies of troops, and they had
already sent on a considerable army to Canada. Four-
teen thousand of these were organized under Sir George,
and the remainder were sent to oppose General Brown
on the Niagara.
To oppose this overwhelming force, General Macomb
had but iifteen hundred regulars, including new recruits
and invalids. The works were in no state of defence,
and the stores and ordnance were in great disorder. The
British force took possession of Champlain on the third
of September, and, from the proclamations and impress-
ments of wagons and teams in this vicinity, it was soo'n
discovered that their object was an attack on Plattsburgh.
Not a minute was to be lost in placing the works in a
state of defence ; and in order to create an emulation and
zeal among the officers and men, they were divided into
detachments, and stationed in the several forts; the gene-
ral declaring, in orders, that each detachment was the
garrison of its own work, and bound to defend it to the
last extremity. At the same time he called on General
Mooers, of the New-York militia, and arranged with him
plans for calling out the militia en masse. The inhabi-
tants of Plattsburgh fled with their families and effects,
excepting a few men, and some boys, who formed them-
selves into a company, received rifles, and were exceed-
ingly useful.
In this extremity General Mooers collected about seven
hundred militia, and small detachments were posted so
as to watch and harass the enemy. Trees were felled,
and every impediment put in the way of their march,
and some skirmishes ensued. At daylight, on the sixth,
it was ascertained that the enemy were advancing in two
columns by each of the roads, dividing at Sampson's,
a little below Chazy village. The column on the Beck-
man road approached rapidly ; the militia skirmished a
little with its advanced parties, but which, with the excep-
tion of n few brave men, soon broke, and fled in the great-
358 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
est disorder. A detachment of two hundred and fifty
men, under Major Wool, had been marched to their sup-
port, and to show them an example of firmness ; but it
was found unavailing.
Finding that the enemy's columns had penetrated
within a mile of Plattsburgh, orders were received for
Colonel Appling to return from his position at Dead
Creek, and fall on the enemy's right flank. The colonel
fortunately arrived just in time to save his retreat, and to
fall in with the head of a column debouching from the
woods. He poured a destructive fire from his riflemen,
and continued to annoy the column until he formed a
junction with Major Wool. Notwithstanding that con-
siderable execution was done by the field pieces, the
enemy still continued to press forward in column ; con-
siderable obstructions were, however, thrown in their way
by the removal of the bridge, and by the fallen trees; a
galling fire was also kept up from the galleys as they
passed the creek.
Plattsburgh is on the northeast side of the Saranac,
near its entrance into Lake Champlain, directly opposite
the American works. The town was of course abandon-
ed, and occupied by the British. Attempts were made
to take possession of the bridge, but it was resolutely
guarded by the Americans. When our troops had passed
the bridge, the planks were raised, and used for a breast-
work.
The enemy, now masters of the village, instead of
attempting to carry the American works on the opposite
side of the river, which their vast superiority of force
might have enabled them to do, contented themselves
with erecting works, whence they continued to annoy the
Americans, and constantly skirmishing at the bridges and
fords. By the eleventh, the fifth day of the siege, a con-
siderable force of New- York and Vermont militia, which
had been continually collecting, lined the Saranac, and
repelled the attempts of the British to cross, while, at the
same time, a considerable body was sent to harass their
rear. There was scarcely an intermission to the skir-
mishes which took place between them and the militia,
who acted, after the first day, with great intrepidity
THE UNITED STATES. 359
The American regulars, at the same time, laboured inces-
santly to extend and strengthen their works. During
this time, a handsome affair was achieved by Captain
M'Glassin, who, crossing the river in the night, assailed
the British regulars, more than three times his number,
stationed at a masked battery, which had been for some
days preparing, drove them from their posts, and demo-
lished their works.
The principal cause of delay, which was fortunate for
the Americans, was the momentary expectation of the
fleet, which was intended to co-operate. On the morn-
ing of the eleventh, at eight o'clock, the look out boat of
Commodore M'Donough announced its approach. It
consisted of the Confiance, carrying thirty-nine guns,
twenty-seven of which were twenty-four pounders ; the
brig Linnet, of sixteen guns ; the sloops Chub and Finch,
each carrying eleven guns; thirteen galleys, five of which
carried two, and the remainder one gun. The commo*
dore at this moment lay at anchor in Plattsburgh bay,
and intended in that situation to receive the enemy. His
fleet consisted of the Saratoga, carrying twenty-six guns,
eight of which were long twenty-four pounders ; the
Eagle, of twenty guns ; the Ticonderoga, of seventeen,
the Preble, seven; and ten galleys, six of which carried
two, and the remainder one gun. Beside^ the advantage
which the enemy possessed, in being able to choose their
position, their force was much superior. The number of
guns in the British fleet amounted to ninety-five, and of
men to upwards of a thousand; while that of the Ameri-
cans was eighty-six, and the number of men less by two
hundred. One of the American vessels had been built
with despatch almost incredible. Eighteen days before,
the trees of which it was constructed, were actually gro\>
ing on the shores of the lake.
The American vessels were moored in line, with five
gunboats arid gallies on each flank. At nine o'clock,
Captain Downie, the British commander, anchored in line,
abreast of the American squadron, at about three hundred
yards distance, the Confiance opposed to the Saratoga;
the Linnet to the Eagle ; the British galleys, and one of
the sloops to the Ticonderoga, Preble, and the left divi-
360 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OP
sion of the American galleys ; the other sloop to the right
division.
The importance of the contest which was now impend-
ing, will justify us in a particular description.
In this situation the whole force on both sides became
engaged ; and at the same moment, as if this had been the
signal, the contest commenced between General Macomb
and Sir George Prevost. One of the British sloops was
soon thrown out of the engagement, by running on a reel
of rocks, whence she could not be extricated, while one
division of the enemy's galleys was so roughly handled,
as to be compelled to pull out of the way. But the fate
of this interesting day, on which the two rivals for naval
superiority were for the second time matched in squad-
ron, depended chiefly on the-result of the engagement be-
tween the two largest ships.
The American commodore maintained the unequal con*
test for two hours ; but the greater weight of the ene-
my's battery seemed to incline the scale of victory, al-
though he suffered prodigiously. The chances against
the Saratoga were accidentally increased by the comman-
der of the Eagle, who not being able to bring his guns to
bear as he wished, cut his cable, and anchored between
the Ticonderoga and Saratoga, by which this vessel was
exposed to a galling fire from the enemy's brig. The
guns on the starboard side had, by this time, been either
dismounted or become unmanageable ; the situation of
the enemy was but little better ; to both, the fortune of
the day depended ou the bAecution of one of the most
difficult naval manosuvie* 10 wind their vessel round, and
bring a new broaasnie 10 oear.
The Confiance aasnvea it iu vain, but the efforts of the
Saratoga were successiui ; a stern anchor was let go, the
bovver cable cut, and the ship winded with a fresh broad-
side on the frigate, which soon after surrendered. A
Broadside was then sprung to bear on the brig, which
surrendered in fifteen minutes after The sloop opposed
to the Eagle had struck to Captain Henley sometime be-
fore, and drifted crown the line. Three of the galleys
were sunk, the others escaped ; all the rest of the fleet
fell into the hands of Commodore M'Donough. By the
THE UNITED STATES. 361
time this bloody contest was over, there was scarcely a
mast in either squadron capable of bearing a sail, and the
greater part of the vessels in a sinking state. There were
fifty round shot in the hull of the Saratoga, and in the
Confiance one hundred and five. The Saratoga was
twice set on fire by hot shot.
The action lasted two hours and twenty minutes. The
commander of the Confiance was killed, with forty-nine
of his men, and sixty wounded. On board the Saratoga
there were twenty-eight killed, and twenty-nine wounded.
Of the first was Lieutenant Gamble; and on board the
Ticonderoga, Lieutenant Stanbury, (son of General Stan-
bury, of Maryland.) Among the wounded were Lieu-
tenant Smith, acting Lieutenant Spencer, and midship-
man Baldwin. The total loss in the American squadron
amounted to fifty-two killed, and fifty-eight wounded.
The loss of the enemy was eighty-four killed, one hun-
dred and ten wounded, and eight hundred and fifty-six
prisoners, which actually exceeded the number of their
captors.
This engagement, so deeply interesting to the two rival
nations, took place in sight of the hostile armies. But
they were by no means quiet spectators of the scene ; a
hot engagement was kept up during the whole time ; the
air was filled with bombs, rockets, sharpnels, and hot
balls. Three desperate efforts were made by the British
to cross over and storm the American works, in which
they were as often repulsed, with considerable loss. An
attempt to force the bridge was bravely defeated by a de-
tachment of regulars, and Captain Grosvenor's riflemen.
They attempted a ford about three miles above, but were
so briskly assailed by a body of volunteers and militia
posted in a wfcod, that the greater part of the detachment
was cut to pieces.
The efforts of the enemy naturally relaxed, after wit-
nessing the painful sight, so little expected, of the entire
capture of their fleet. The firing was, however, kept up
until night ; at night the enemy withdrew their artillery,
and raised the siege. The plans of Sir George Prevost
were completely frustrated, since the Americans had now
the command of the lake : even if he were to possess
31
362 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
himself of the American works, it would not serve him
any; further design ; in the meantime, he would be exposed
to great danger from the hourly augmentation of the
American forces.
Under the cover of the night, he, therefore, sent off all
his baggage and artillery, for which he found means of
transportation; and, before day the next morning, his
whole force precipitately retreated, leaving behind their
sick and wounded. Vast quantities of military stores,
and munitions of war, were abandoned by them, and still
greater quantities were afterwards found hid in marshes,
or buried in the ground. They were hotly pursued, a
number of stragglers were picked up, and upwards of five
hundred deserters came in.
Those of the British army and navy who fell, were in-
terred with the honours of war. The humane attention
of the Americans to the wounded, and the politeness and
generous attention to the prisoners, were acknowledged
in grateful terms by Captain Pryng, (who succeeded Cap-
tain Downie,) in his official despatch to the admiralty
Thus was this portentous invasion most happily repel-
led, and another of our inland seas made glorious by the
victories of free Americans. The " star spangled ban-
ner" waved in triumph on the waters of Champlain, as it
did on Erie and Ontario. These noble features in our
great empire will henceforth be viewed with a very diffe-
rent interest from what they heretofore excited.
The effect of this victory tended to allay party spirit,
and produce unanimity in the national legislature. The
great cause of bitter complaint against the administra-
tion, French influence, was at an end, and the recent con-
duct of Great Britain towards this country, rendered it
impossible for any one to say that she wa^not wantonly
pursuing hostilities, when these causes no longer existed.
No one could now be the advocate of Britain.
But, in addition to other circumstances, the neglect ex-
perienced by our ministers in Europe, and the shuffling
policy of Great Britain, which procrastinated a final ad-
justment ol differences, were well understood, and had
their proper effect on our citizens. Our sincere desire
for peace was met by the demand for a surrender of ?
THE UNITED STATES. 303
large portion of territory, and a total relinquishment of
the lake shores, a sine qua non. To these conditions it
is evident our government could not accede, and few were
so weak as to believe that the proposition was made with
any other view than to prolong the negotiations, and take
advantage of circumstances which might intervene.
About this epoch, a convention, composed of delegates
from several of the New-England states, met at Hartford,
the members of which were opposed to the war. This
step occasioned much excitement, and was the subject of
many speculations. It was charged with the design of
sundering the union of the states ; but after a brief ses-
sion, terminated in an address and remonstrance, or peti-
tion to congress, enumerating several objections to the fe-
deral constitution. It was presented to several states for
approbation, but was uniformly rejected. As to the con-
stitutional right of assembling for the purpose of discuss-
ing national subjects, we can have but one voice, unless
we abandon republican principles ; but whether the mo-
tives, the time, and the expected results of this conven-
tion, were correct and judicious, is problematical. In the
legislature of, Pennsylvania, in which the memorial was
discussed, the conduct of the memorialists was severely
censured.
Our finance now appeared to revive, under the indefa-
tigable industry and great abilities of Mr. Dallas, whom
the president selected at this critical moment to fill the
office of secretary of the treasury. His plans were cha-
racterized by the greatest boldness, but were unfolded in
so luminous a manner, as to carry conviction to every
mind. He may be said to have plucked up the sinking
credit of the nation by the locks. The duties of the se-
cretary at war were, at the same time, discharged by Co-
lonel Monroe, in "addition to his other avocations ; in
which undertaking he exhibited no small courage, for it
had become a forlorn hope of popularity ; he was happily
rewarded by the most fortunate success in all his mea-
sures, and by the universal applause of *his country.
While the American congress was thus occupied, the
public attention was awakened by a most alarming state
of affairs to the southward. The Creek war was renew-
364 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
ed, and a powerful invasion of Louisiana was threatened,
General Jackson, after concluding a treaty with the
Creeks, moved his head quarters to Mobile. Here,
about the latter end of August, he received certain infor-
mation, that three British ships of war had arrived at
Pensacola, and had landed a large quantity of ammuni-
tion and guns, for the purpose of arming the Indians,
and had, besides, marched into the fort with three hundred
troops. He was also informed that the fleet of Admiral
Cochrane had been reinforced at Bermuda, and that thir-
teen ships of the line, with transports, were daily ex-
pected, with ten thousand troops, for the purpose of inva-
ding some of the southern states. On the receipt of this
information, he immediately wrote to the governor of
Tennessee, calling for the whole quota of that state.
On the fifteenth of September, three vessels of war
from Pensacola, appeared before fort Boyer, which com-
mands the entrance to Mobile Bay. A proclamation was
issued by Colonel Nichols, commanding his majesty's for-
ces in Florida, addressed to the inhabitants of Louisiana,
Kentucky, and Tennessee, inviting them to aid the Bri-
tish. He likewise made a proposition to a nest of pirates
which infested one of the lakes which communicates with
the gulf, to assist in the operations against the Americans
in that quarter. This nest of desperadoes amounted to
five or six hundred, and their commander, Lafitte, had
been outlawed by the American government. In the sum
mer, the establishment had been broken up by Commo-
dore Patterson, but had again organized, and would be a
dangerous force, if employed by our enemies, for which
service they had large offers.
But what was most humiliating to those who could
stoop so low, this alliance was indignantly rejected.
Lafitte at first dissembled, until he had drawn from the
colonel important information, when he dismissed him
with disdain, and immediately dispatched a messenger to
Governor Claiborne, who had some time before offered
five hundred dollars for his apprehension, and laid before
him incontestible proofs of the truth of his declaration.
The governor was agreeably surprised at this unexpected
trait of generosity, but at first hesitated as to the course
THE UNITED STATES. 365
to be pursued ; on the approach of danger, however, he
issued his proclamation, in which he pledged himself, that
those engaged in this illicit course of life should be for-
given, provided they would come forward and aid in the
defence of the country. This was joyfully accepted by
the Barratarians, as they were called, who tendered their
services, and were found eminently useful.
General Jackson having in vain remonstrated with the
governor of Pensacola for his unprecedented conduct,
determined to march against that place. Having re-
ceived a reinforcement of two thousand Tennessee militia,
which had marched through the Indian country, he ad-
vanced to Pensacola to demand redress. On the sixth of
November he reached the neighbourhood of that post, and
immediately sent Major Peire with a flag to communicate
the object of his visit to the governor ; but he was forced
to return, being fired on from the batteries. Jackson
then reconnoitered the fort, and finding it defended both
by British and Indians, he made arrangements for storm-
ing it the next day.
The troops were put in motion at day light, and being
encamped to the west of the town, the attack would be
expected from that quarter ; to keep up this idea, part of
the mounted men were sent to show themselves on the
west, whilst the remainder of the troops passed to the rear
of the fort, undiscovered, to the east of the town. His
whole force, consisting of a few regulars, a body of militia,
and some Choctaw Indians, appeared in view when within
a mile of the fort, and advanced firmly to the enemy's
works, although there were seven British vessels on their
left, and strong batteries of cannon in front. On entering
the town, a battery of two cannons, loaded with ball and
grape, was opened on the centre column, composed of
regulars, and a shower of musketry was poured from the
houses and gardens. The battery was soon carried and
the musketry silenced.
The governor now made his appearance with a flag,
begged for mercy, and offered to surrender the town im-
mediately. This was granted, and every protection af-
forded to the persons and property of the inhabitants.
The commandant of the fort refused to surrender until
31*
366 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
midnight, when he evacuated it with his troops, just as the
Americans were preparing to make a furious assault. The
British withdrew their shipping, and Jackson, having ac-
complished his purpose, returned to Mobile.
Notwithstanding the negotiations for peace, prepara-
tions were made for a formidable invasion of Louisiana,
and Governor Claiborne ordered the two divisions of mi-
litia to hold themselves in readiness to repel an attack.
He also called on the inhabitants to turn out en masse, for
the defence of their liberties and their homes.
In New-Orleans, the citizens, from the commencement
of the war, as if sensible of the feeble help which they
could expect from the general government, manifested
the greatest alacrity in qualifying themselves for taking
the field against an invader. Every man capable of bear
ing arms, had become a soldier, and perhaps in none was
there such frequent and elegant displays of well disci-
plined volunteer companies dressed in uniform. The
wonderful aptitude of the French for the profession of
arms, was never more fully exhibited. There were in-
termingled with them, a number of men who had served
in the French armies.
The free people of colour, a numerous class, were per-
mitted, as a privilege of which they were proud, to form
volunteer companies, and wear their uniform ; some of
these were natives, but the greater part had been refugees
from St. Domingo. The American and French inhabi-
tants, although sometimes at variance with each other, on
this occasion united heartily in dislike to the English, and
in a disposition to frustrate their designs.
Hearing of the danger of New-Orleans, General Jack-
son repaired thither for its defence, and arrived there on
the second of December. He put in requisition all the
powers of his mind, and took the most active measures to
prevent the effects of an expected invasion.
Batteries were constructed in important situations, and
every obstruction put in the way of the invaders. He
called on the legislature for resources, which were prompt-
ly supplied. Colonel Monroe, acting secretary of war,
had already forwarded military supplies, and called on the
neighbouring governors for a considerable force.
THE UNITED STATES. 367
About the fifth of December, certain intelligence was
received, that the British fleet, consisting of at least sixty
sail, was off the coast to the east of the Mississippi. Com-
modore Patterson immediately despatched five gun-boats,
under the command of .Lieutenant Catesby Jones, to
watch the motions of the enemy. They were discovered
in such force off Cat Island, as to induce the lieutenant to
make sail for the passes into Lake Ponchartrain, in order
to oppose the entrance of the British. The Sea Horse,
Sailing Master Johnson, after a gallant resistance, was
captured in the bay of St. Louis.
On the fourteenth, the gun-boats, while becalmed, were
attacked by nearly forty barges, and twelve hundred men,
and, after a contest of an hour, with this overwhelming
force, the flotilla surrendered. The loss of the Americans
was forty killed and wounded ; among the latter, Lieu-
tenant Spidden, who lost an arm : Lieutenant Jones and
M'Keever were also wounded. The loss of the enemy
was estimated at three hundred men.
This loss was severely felt, as the enemy was thereby
enabled to choose his point of attack, and we were, in a
great measure, prevented from watching his motions.
But the exertions for defence were neither paralyzed nor
abated. The legislature appropriated money, and offered
bounties which induced numbers to serve on board the
schooner Caroline, and the brig Louisiana. An embargo
was laid for three days, and martial law was declared.
Lafitte and his Barratarians, about this time, joined the
American forces. The city now exhibited an interesting
spectacle ; all classes cheerfully preparing for the recep-
tion of the invader, and^reposing the utmost confidence
in Jackson. All was life and bustle, and the female part
of the society seemed emulous to share in this affecting
scene.
All the principal bayous which communicate with the
lake, and the narrow strip of land on the borders of the
Mississippi, through the swamps, had been obstructed.
There was, however, a communication with Lake Borgne,
but little known, called the bayou Bienvenu, used by
fishermen ; its head near the plantation of General Vil-
lere, seven miles below the city. Major Villere had re-
368 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
ceived orders from his father to guard this bayou, and he
accordingly stationed a guard near its entrance into the
lake, at the cabins of some fishermen.
It afterwards appeared, that these wretches had been in
the employment of the British. On the twenty-second,
guided by them, the enemy came suddenly upon the Ame-
rican guard, and took them prisoners. The division under
General Keane, by four o'clock in the morning, reached
the commencement of Villere's canal, and, having disem-
barked, and rested some hours, proceeded through the
cane-brake, and, by two o'clock, reached the bank of the
river. General Villere's house was suddenly surrounded,
as also that of his neighbour, Colonel La Ronde ; but this
officer, as well as Major Villere, was so fortunate as to
effect his escape, and, hastening to the head-quarters, com-
municated the intelligence.
The alarm gun was fired, and the commander in chief,
with that promptitude and decision for which he is so re-
markable, instantly resolved on the only course to be pur-
sued, which was, without the loss of a moment's time, to
attack the enemy. Coffee's riflemen, stationed above the
city, in one hour's time were at the place of rendezvous ;
the battalion of Major Plauche had arrived from the
bayou, and the regulars and city volunteers were ready to
march. By six o'clock the different corps were united on
Rodrigue's canal, six miles below the city. The schooner
Caroline, Captain Henley, at the same time dropped down
the river. The command of General Coffee, together
with Captain Beale's riflemen, were placed on the left,
towards the woods; the city volunteers, and men oi
colour, under Plauche and Duquin ; the whole under the
command of Colonel Ross, were stationed to the right of
these ; and, next to them, the two regiments of regulars,
the seventh and forty-fourth ; the artillery and marines,
under Colonel M'Rea, occupied the road. The whole
scarcely exceeded two thousand men.
The British force, at this time, amounted to three thou-
sand, and instead of pushing directly towards the city,
had bivouacked, fully convinced that the most difficult
part of the enterprise was already achieved.
Carroll's force was posted on the Gentilly road, to pro-
THE UNITED STATES. 369
vide against an attack from that quarter. Coffee was di-
rected to turn their right, which rested on the wood, at
the distance of half a mile from the river, while the ge-
neral assailed their strongest position near it. Commo-
dore Patterson, who had gone on board the Caroline,
dropped down at the same time, and was to open his fire
upon the enemy as a signal of attack. The first intima-
tion of the approach of the Americans was a raking broad-
side from the schooner ; their fires extending from the
river, enabled the assailants to take deliberate aim. Cof-
fee's men, with their usual impetuosity, rushed upon the
right, and entered their camp, while Jackson's troops in
front, advanced upon them with great ardour.
The enemy, although taken by surprise, and having se-
veral hundreds suddenly killed and wounded, soon form-
ed, and their fires being extinguished, came into action.
A thick fog, which arose shortly after, producing some
confusion in the different American corps, Jackson pru-
dently called off his troops, lay on the field that night, and
at four in the morning took a position on the other side
of the canal of Rodrigue, which formerly had been a
mill-race.
The American loss was twenty-four killed, one hun-
dred and fifteen wounded, and seventy-four prisoners,
among whom were many of the principal inhabitants of
the city. Colonel Lauderdale, of Tennessee, a brave
soldier, fell, much lamented. That of the British was es-
timated at four hundred, in killed, wounded, and missing.
They had intended to proceed to New-Orleans the next
day, but were induced to be more cautious, having esti-
mated Jackson's force at fifteen thousand men.
The general set to work immediately to fortify his po-
sition. This was effected by a simple breastwork, from
the river to the swamp, with a ditch in front. To hasten
the construction of these works, cotton bags were used,
as the cheeks of the embrazures. As the enemy was
still annoyed by the Caroline, they set to work in con-
structing batteries to attack her, and on the twenty-se-
venth, threw hot shot, by which she was set on fire and
blown up, about an hour after she was abandoned by her
crew. The Louisiana, which then took her station, sus-
370 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
tained the fire of all the batteries, until in imminent dan-
ger. In losing her, the whole co-operative naval force
would be lost. Her commander. Lieutenant Thompson,
after encountering many obstacles, finally succeeded in
bringing her near Jackson's position.
After the destruction of the Caroline, Sir Edward Pack-
enham, the British commander in chief, having landed the
main body of his army, with a sufficient train of artillery,
superintended in person the arrangements for fortifying
his position.
On the twenty-eighth, the British general advanced up
the levee in force, with the intention of driving Jackson
from his entrenchments ; and at the distance of half a
mile, commenced an attack with rockets, bombs, and a
heavy cannonade, as he approached the American works,
which were yet unfinished. The Louisiana, discharging
her broadside upon the enemy's column, caused great de-
struction ; the fire from the American batteries was not
less destructive ; and after a violent struggle of seven
hours, the British general retired.
The loss of the Americans was seven killed and eight
wounded ; among the former, Colonel Henderson, of Ten-
nessee. That of the British, much more considerable.
On the morning of the first of January, 1815, Sir Ed-
ward Packenham was discovered to have constructed bat-
teries near the American works, and at daylight commen-
ced a heavy fire from them, which was well returned by
Jackson. A bold attempt was, at the same time, made to
turn the left of the Americans ; but in this the enemy was
completely repulsed. The British retired in the evening
from their batteries, having spiked their guns, and leaving
behind a quantity of ammunition. The loss of the Ame-
ricans, on this occasion, was eleven killed and twenty-
three wounded.
On the fourth, General Jackson was joined by two
thousand five hundred Kentuckians, under (General Adair ;
and on the sixth, the British were joined by General Lam-
bert, at the head of four thousand men. The British
force now amounted to little short of fifteen thousand of
the finest troops ; that of the Americans to about six
thousand, chiefly raw militia, a considerable portion un-
THE UNITED STATES. 371
armed, and, from the haste of their departure, badly sup-
plied with clothing. All the private arms which the in-
habitants possessed were collected, and the ladies of New-
Orleans occupied themselves continually in making diffe-
rent articles of clothing. The mayor of the city, Mr.
Girod, was particularly active at this trying moment.
The British general now prepared for a serious attempt
on the American works. With great labour he had com-
pleted, by the seventh, a canal from the swamp to the
Mississippi, by which he was enabled to transport a num-
ber of his boats to the river. It was his intention to make
a simultaneous attack on the main force of General Jack-
son on the left bank, and crossing the river to attack the
batteries on the right.
The works of the American general were by this time
completed. His front was a straight line of one thousand
yards, defended by upwards of three thousand infantry
and artillerists. The ditch contained five feet water, and
his front, from having been flooded by opening the levees
and frequent rains, was rendered slippery and muddy.
Eight distinct batteries were judiciously disposed, mount-
ing, in all, twelve guns, of different calibres. On the
opposite side of the river there was a strong battery of
fifteen guns, and the entrenchments were occupied by
General Morgan, with the Louisiana militia, and a strong
detachment of the Kentucky troops. To guard against
an attack from any other quarter, Colonel Reuben Kem-
per, with a few men, encountering infinite difficulties,
had explored every pass and bayou, and, on this sub-
ject, had placed at ease the mind of the commander in
chief.
On the memorable morning of the eighth of January,
General Packenham, having detached Colonel Thornton,
with a considerable force, to attack the works on the right
bank of the river, moved, with his whole force, exceeding
twelve thousand men, in two divisions, under Major Ge-
nerals Gibbs and Keane. and a reserve under General Lam-
bert. The first of these officers was to make the princi-
pal attack ; the two columns were supplied with scaling
ladders and fascines.
Thus prepared, the Americans patiently waited the
372 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
attack, which would decide the fate of New-Orleans, and
perhaps of Louisiana.
The British deliberately advanced in solid columns,
over an even plain, in front of the American entrench-
ments ; the men carrying, besides their muskets, fascines,
and some of them ladders.
A dead silence prevailed until they approached within
reach of the batteries, which commenced an incessant and
destructive cannonade ; they, notwithstanding, continued
to advance in tolerable order, closing up their ranks as
fast as they were opened by the fire of the Americans.
When they came within reach, however, of the musketry
and rifles, these joined with the artillery, and produced
such dreadful havoc that they were instantly thrown into
confusion.
Never was there so tremendous a fire as that kept up
from the American lines; it was a continued stream;
those behind loading for the men in front, enabled them
to fire with scarcely an intermission. The British columns
were literally swept away ; hundreds fell at every dis-
charge. The British officers were now making an effort
to rally their men, and, in this attempt, their commander,
a gallant officer, General Packenham, was killed.
The two generals, Gibbs and Keane, succeeded in pusn-
ing forward their columns a second time ; but the second
approach was more fatal than the first ; the continued
rolling fire of the Americans resembled peals of thun-
der. It was such as no troops could withstand. The
advancing columns broke, and no effort to rally them
could avail : a few platoons only advanced to the edge of
the ditch, to meet a more certain destruction. An una-
vailing attempt was made to rally them a third time, by
their officers, whose gallantry, on this occasion, deserved
a better fate, in a better cause. Generals Gibbs and
Keane were carried away, severely wounded, the former
mortally.
The plain between the front of the British, and the
American lines, was strewed with dead ; so dreadful a
carnage, considering the length of time, and the numbers
engaged, was perhaps never witnessed. Two thousand,
at the lowest estimate, pressed the earth, besides a num-
THE UNITED STATES. 373
ber of the wounded, who were not able to escape. The
loss of the Americans did not exceed seven killed and
six wounded. General Lambert was the only general
officer left upon the field ; being unable to check the
flight of the British columns, he retired to his encamp-
ment.
In the meantime, the detachment under Colonel Thorn-
ton succeeded in landing on the right Jbank, and immedi-
ately attacked the intrenchment of General Morgan. The
American right, believing itself outflanked, abandoned its
position, while the left maintained its ground for some
time ; but finding itself deserted by those on the right,
and being outnumbered by the enemy, they spiked their
guns and retired. Colonel Thornton was severely wound-
ed, and the command devolved on Colonel Gobbins, who,
seeing the fate of the assault on the left bank, and receiv-
ing orders from General Lambert, recrosscd the river.
On the return of General Lambert to his camp, it was
resolved, in consultation with Admiral Cochrane, to retire
to their shipping. This was effected with great secrecy;
and during the night of the eighteenth, their camp was
entirely evacuated. From the nature of the country, it
was found impossible to pursue them ; they left eight of
their wounded, and fourteen pieces of artillery. Their
loss in this fatal expedition was immense ; besides their
generals, and a number of valuable officers, their force
w r as diminished by at least five thousand men.
It was in vain, as in other instances, to conceal the truth
of this affair ; and the sensations which it produced in
Great Britain, are not easily described ; the conduct of
the ministry was regarded as shamefully dishonourable,
in thus stretching forth one hand to receive the olive,
which was tendered by America, and at the same time
secretly wielding a dagger with the other.
Commodore Patterson despatched five rjoats, under Mr.
Shields, purser on the New-Orleans- station, in order to
annoy the retreat of the British. This active and spirited
officer succeeded in capturing several of their boats, and
in taking a number of prisoners.
The glorious defence of New-Orleans, produced the
most lively joy throughout the United States, mingled,
32 .
374 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
0|
however, with pity for a brave enemy, who had encoun-
tered so disastrous a defeat.
The British fleet had, at the same time, ascended the
Mississippi, for the purpose of bombarding Fort 5>t. Phi-
lip, which was commanded by Major Overtoil ; but with-
out being able to make any impression.
There is but little doubt, that the object of Great Bri-
tain was, to possess herself of Louisiana, and obtaining a
cession from Spain, draw a cordon round the United
States, and by that means strangle this young Hercules,
as it were, in the cradle. It is well known, that on board
the fleet, they had brought all the officers necessary for
the establishment of a civil government, even a collector
of the port !
An American must tremble for his country, when he
looks back at the danger we have escaped. That the Bri-
tish intended to deliver the city of New-Orleans to be
sacked by their soldiery, is very doubtful ; and from the
high character of Sir Edward Packenham, it is highly
improbable that he would have given, as the watchword
of the occasion, beauty and booty ; this was more proba-
bly spoken by some of the inferior officers, with a view
of producing an excitement among the soldiery.
We have given the events of this battle in detail, be-
cause it may be considered as the most important in its
consequences, of any which occurred during the war.
As it will always occupy a conspicuous place in the an-
nals of our country, we were unwilling to bring it into a
compass so small as necessarily to omit many of its fea-
tures.
We turn now from this grand spectacle to the ravages
of the contemptible Cockburn, who was pursuing a less
dangerous, but more profitable occupation, in robbing the
defenceless inhabitants of the Carolinas and Georgia.
The produce of the plantations, household furniture, and
negroes, were the trophies of his prowess. Let a dark
mantle shade his memory from the light of military and
naval renown.
The momentous intelligence of the defeat of the Bri-
tish at New-Orleans, had scarcely ceased to operate upon
the feelings of the people of the United States, when they
THE UNITED STATES. 375
received the welcome news of peace. These two events
were joyfully celebrated, by illuminations throughout this
land of freedom and independence.
To us the war is pregnant with important lessons. We
have acquired a knowledge of our weakness and of our
strength. Our confederation will rise like a pyramid, its
base eternal. Our best policy is peace, if honourable ;
fair and honourable policy to all nations, preferring jus-
tice to profit. One lesson we have been taught, which
was worth the sum we have paid for the war : THAT WE
ARE WEAK IN THE PURSUIT OF CONQUEST, BUT ALL POW-
ERFUL IN DEFENCE.
CHAPTER XVI.
General View of the United States.
Having now brought the history of our country down
to the close of the war for "free trade and sailors' rights,"
we may be allowed to take a glance at the progress which
we have made in the acquisition of territory by treaty
and purchase, and of the prospects which open before us.
We now number-twenty-four states, one district, and six
territories, the boundaries of which follow.
The boundary on the side of the Spanish dominions,
according to the treaty with Spain, ratified in 1821, begins
on the Gulf of Mexico, at the mouth of the River Sabine,
and proceeds along the west bank of that river to the 33d
degree of N. lat. ; thence, by a line due north, to Red
River ; thence up that river, to the meridian of 100 de-
grees W. Ion. ; thence due north along that meridian to
the River Arkansas ; thence along the south bank of the
Arkansas to its source ; thence due north or south as the
case may be, to the parallel of 42 degrees N. lat., and
thence along that parallel to the Pacific Ocean. On the
side of the British dominions, the boundary begins in the
Atlantic Ocean, at the mouth of the River St. Croix, and
proceeds up that river to its source ; thence due north to
the highlands, which separate the waters falling into the
376 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
St. Lawrence from those which fall into the Atlantic,
thence along those highlands in a S. W. direction, to the
parallel of 45 degrees N. lat. ; thence along that parallel
to the River St. Lawrence ; and thence up that river and
the great lakes Ontario, Erie, Huron, and Superior, to
the most northwestern point of the Lake of the Woods.
By the treaty with Great Britain, in 1819, the boundary
ine proceeds from the last mentioned point, due north or
south, as the case may be, to the parallel of 49 degrees
N. lat., and thence due west along that parallel to the
Rocky Mountains. The boundary between the Rocky
Mountains and the Pacific Ocean remains unsettled.
The states are arranged according to their location,
thus: Eastern Maine, New-Hampshire, Massachusetts,
Vermont, Rhode Island, Connecticut, six. Middle
New-York, New-Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, Ma-
ry land, five. Southern Virginia, North Carolina, South
Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, se-
ven. Western Tennessee, Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana,
Illinois, Missouri, six. District of Columbia, the seat
of the general government, a tract of ten miles square.
Territories Michigan, Northwest, Arkansas, Missouri,
Oregon, Florida, six. States, District, and Territories,
in all thirty-one. The extent from south to north is 24
degrees, comprehended between 35 and 49 degrees N.
lat., and from east to west, 58 degrees 11 minutes W. Ion.
included between 66 degrees 49 minutes, and 135 degrees.
The whole containing two millions of square miles.
By the census of 1820, the whole population was nine
millions, six hundred and forty-one thousand, seven hun-
dred and eighty-four. The District of Columbia, being
of small extent, and embracing three populous places,
Washington, Alexandria, and Georgetown, contains the
most dense population, and averages three hundred and
thirty on a square mile. Next in population is Massachu-
setts, which has seventy-two on the square mile. Con-
necticut fifty-eight, and Rhode Island fifty-three. Dela-
ware thirty-four ; New-York thirty ; Maryland twenty-
nine ; New-Hampshire twenty-six ; Vermont and Penn-
sylvania twenty-three ; South Carolina twenty ; Virginia
seventeen ; Ohio fifteen ; Kentucky and North Carolina
THE UNITED STATES. 3T7
thirteen ; Tennessee eleven ; Georgia six ; Louisiana and
Alabama three ; Mississippi two ; Illinois and Missouri
one; Michigan contains one inhabitant to about five
square miles ; northwest unknown ; Arkansas, Missouri,
and Oregon, contain a million of square miles, and the
first more than fourteen thousand inhabitants. Florida
has about one inhabitant to three square miles.
With a knowledge of the qualities of the soil, healthi-
ness of the clime, water privileges and communications,
those who wish to emigrate, can determine on the most
eligible situation with a tolerable degree of accuracy, ac-
cording to the business which they propose to pursue.
Another consideration with those who wish to change
their place of residence, may sometimes be taken into the
account, and this is the prevalence of religious opinion.
Taking the whole of the Union collectively, the principal
religious denominations are Presbyterians and Congrega-
tionalists, who have, together, more than 2500 congrega-
tions ; the Baptists, who have more than 2000 congrega-
tions ; the "Friends, who have more than 500 societies ;
and the Episcopalians, who have about 300. The Metho-
dists, also, are very numerous. The Baptists and Metho-
dists are found in all parts of the United States ; the
Congregationalists are almost w r holly in New-England ;
the Presbyterians are scattered over the middle and
southern states ; the Friends are most numerous in Penn-
sylvania, and the adjoining states, and the Episcopalians
in New-York, Connecticut, Maryland, and Virginia. Ger-
man Lutherans, German Calvinists, and Moravians, are
also numerous in the middle states.
But, besides these, the Unitarians are a fast increasing
sect, of which a majority of the Congregational societies
in Boston are known to be, and, more or less, the doc
trine is spreading through the United States, though the
principal part of the societies are supposed to be in New-
England. The Universalists are also numerous in Maine,
Massachusetts, New-Hampshire, and Vermont; and in
the western counties of New-York they abound. In New
York city and Philadelphia, are several churches, and in
South Carolina, Ohio, Alabama, and Georgia, they are
fast increasing.
32*
378 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
Next to religious opinions, the sort of people among
whom we purpose to fix a permanent abode, may very
properly be considered. Of the United States, the inha-
bitants consist of whites, negroes, and Indians.
The negroes are generally slaves, and are principally
confined to the states south of Pennsylvania, and the
River Ohio. All the whites are of European origin;
principally English. The New-Englanders. Virginians,
and Carolinians, are almost purely English. Next to the
English are the Germans, who are very numerous in the
middle states, particularly in Pennsylvania. Next to the
Germans are the Dutch, who are most numerous in New-
York. The French constitute nearly half the population
of Louisiana. The Irish and Scotch are found in the
middle states, in the back parts of Virginia, and in all the
principal cities of the Union. Very little is known about
the Indians west of the Mississippi. The four principal
tribes on the east of the Mississippi are the Creeks, Choc-
taws, Cherokees, and Chickasaws. These tribes live
within the chartered limits of Georgia, Alabama, Missis-
sippi, and Tennessee.
In a country of such great extent, the habits, manners,
and general occupations of the people, will, of course,
differ materially. The eastern, or New-England states,
in the interior portions, have, until lately, devoted their
attention principally to agriculture, confined to such arti-
cles as are of prime necessity in sustaining life. The
cities and towns on the seaboard, have attended to the
fisheries and commerce generally. Lately they have
been led to manufactures, particularly of cloths and cot-
ton, for which their various streams are well adapted.
The restrictions on commerce, if continued, will probably
direct most of the capital hitherto occupied in foreign
commerce, into this channel. The immense forests in
some of the states, will, however, occupy numbers in the
lumber trade, for yeaj*s to come.
New-England undoubtedly holds the first rank in lite-
rature, commerce, enterprise, and wealth, but in grandeur
and sublimity, and the natural means of wealth, the west-
ern states are more than successful rivals. The plains
and mountains, and rivers and forests of the newly settled
THE UNITED STATES. 379
parts of the new world, have no parallel in the eastern
continent. The following description of the prairies of
Louisiana is extracted from Niles' Register, a work not
exceeded in this country for the extent and value of its
communications.
The districts of Attakapas and Oppelousas, which
stretch along the Mexican gulph, from the Attchaffallaya
to the Sabine, are scarcely known to geographers, though
they form a most interesting portion of the republic. The
fertility of the soil, the value of its products the immense
natural meadows which cover five eighths of the country,
and their peculiar fitness for feeding cattle, are all worthy
the attention of the shoals of emigrants who are seeking
wealth or liberty, to the west and south. The accounts
published by Brackenridge and Darby are most to be re-
lied on ; but neither of those writers have been sufficiently
explicit, though each enjoyed opportunities of acquiring
better information. The following statement may, per-
haps, be perused with some interest by such as are pleased
to note the rapid inarch which our country is making to
power, and give the reader some idea of the vast resources
of Louisiana.
About the year 1755, a few French traders commenced
a traffic for peltry with the Indians, who inhabited those
prairies. They were soon followed by others, who, re-
marking the great profits to be realized from stock raising,
introduced horned cattle into the country. Their success
encouraged others to adventure ; and we find from the
census of 1785, that Attakapas and Oppelousas then con-
tained 2408 inhabitants. In the year 1801, their popula-
tion was rated at 7250, of which 3500 were slaves. Up
to the last named epocha, stock raising formed the almost
exclusive occupation of the inhabitants. They supplied
New-Orleans and the Mississippi coast with beef, at the
rate of one cent and a fourth per pound ; but even at this
price, many had amassed money enough to purchase slaves
and commence farming establishments. The American
government, which took place early in 1804, gave new
stimulus, and induced the inhabitants to turn their atten-
tion more to planting.
The soil and climate uniting with their exertions and
380 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
industry, have secured to the first planters of those dis-
tricts a most enviable independence. A few years ago
they were a horde of shepherds, consequently a hardy
and virtuous race. Of late their plan of life has changed,
and their means rapidly increased, without introducing
the thousand fictitious wants, which usually travel in the
train of wealth. Even now it is no uncommon sight to
see a planter of those countries, owning, perhaps, seventy
or eighty slaves, clad in the product of his wife's loom,
attending to his horses., oxen, or crop, with more assi-
duity and attention, than characterizes a Carolina over-
seer : yet, if a stranger visits him, he will find his table
crowded with the best wines of the world, and no lack of
intelligence or any thing else which forms good cheer.
Riches here, appear to add only to the comfores of
their possessor, without forming the invidious distinc-
tions among men which exist in other parts of the world.
The ease with which they are acquired, may be the rea-
son of this but the detached situation of the country ac-
counts for it more rationally. Besides the population is
as yet quite thinly scattered over an immense territory,
and wherever this is the case, we do not usually find so
many of those little presuming animals, wearing the shapes
of men, which are such great nuisances in thickly inhabit-
ed countries.
In 1810, Attakapas and Oppelousas, contained 13,774
souls. For two years after the census was taken, there
was a great emigration to the country. It was stopped
early in 1813, by the pressure of the war ; but since the
peace, it has recommenced. At present, (Sept. 1817,) I
feel confident the population would be estimated too low
at 20,000.
It is the custom for the rich and gay young people of
Louisiana and Mississippi, to spend their carnival at New-
Orleans. The health enjoyed by the young ladies of the
prairies, added to their active and industrious habits,
gives them bloom and beauty, which cast the belles oi
other districts into the shade. It is a singular fact, that
for thirteen winters past, the reigning toast in the Orleans
ball rooms, has been almost always from Attakapas or
Oppelousas.
THE UNITED STATES. 381
The topography of those countries are pretty accu-
rately delineated in Darby's map of Louisiana. His book
is a very inferior production to his map, and not much to
be relied on as useful information. I will here add a few
words concerning the soil and its productions ; but as
these vary in an extent of country, containing about
300,000 square miles, I will consider the districts sepa-
rately.
Oppelousas, lying to the northwest of Attakapas, is
well calculated for a grazing country. Its prairies are
xvery extensive, and the greater parts of the land second
and third rate. The lands of the best quality in this
country, are in its southwest corner, consisting of a strip
about twenty-six miles long, and eight wide. In this tract
are situated many large plantations, which yield immense
profits to their proprietors. The northern part of the
country, bordering on Rapide district, is poor land, and
the western section, which skirts the gulph and the River
Sabine, is little better. Those lands, however, produce
tolerable corn, and a coarse luxuriant grass, which can
feed cattle enough to supply the home and West India
markets.
Attakapas is divided into two parishes, St. Mary and
St. Martin. The Vermillion River rises in Oppelousas,
and on entering St. Martin's, becomes a considerable
stream. The lands on its banks are high, and generally
of the best quality. After a course of ninety miles in
this parish, it falls into the bay of the same name, near the
30th degree of north latitude. Between the Vermillion
and the Minton, (the western limit of Attakapas,) lies a
prairie country, which in soil is nothing icmarkable, but
affords excellent pasturage.
The Tesche, likewise, rises in Oppelousas, near the
source of the Vermillion. Its general course is to the
south east, piercing the western sections of St. Mar-
tin and St. Mary. It meets the Attchaffallaya at Berwick's
Bay, and is navigable for seventy miles from its mouth
for the largest boats, and for smaller craft almost to its
source. From the line of Oppelousas to Berwick's Bay,
a distance of more than ninety miles, there is no soil on
its banks which is not first rate. As it approaches the
382 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
sea, however, the land is thought to improve, and the cli-
mate certainly becomes more favourable to the culture of
sugar. Between the upper part of the Tesche and the
Vermillion, in the parish of St. Martin, lies a rich tract
of country, principally prairie. It is as yet very partial-
ly settled, owing to the scarcity of wood.
This cannot form a permanent impediment, as trees,
when planted in those meadows, and shielded from the ver-
nal burnings of the grass, thrives faster than any soil I
have ever seen. Several persons have already tried the
experiment, and find four or five years sufficient to grow
any supply of firewood they may want. Besides, there
is not any part of the rich meadows of Attakapas more
than five miles distant from plenty of wood. The climate
is, at the same time, so mild, that fuel is little wanted but
for the kitchen.
The good lands of Oppelousas and St. Martin's are
best adapted to the culture of cotton. They sent to New-
Orleans last year 6,000 bales of fine cotton ; and if the
whole of their rich soil was cultivated, might produce an-
nually more than sixty thousand bales. About five thou-
sand steers are each year exported from those districts,
which sell at home for twelve dollars each.
The parish of St. Mary's, being the southern part of
the tract of country under consideration, is well adapted
for the culture of sugar. This was doubted, until some
of the enterprizing American emigrants tested it, in the
last two years, by the most successful experiments. It is
found to succeed as well, if not better, than on the Mis-
sissippi, and the cane is certainly brought to maturity with
less labour. Cotton also succeeds remarkably well, but
will soon give way to sugar. In the year 1816, this pa-
rish, with a population of about 3,000 souls, sent to mar-
ket 2,500 bales of cotton, 900 hogsheads of sugar, and
800 beef cattle, which sold for 350,000 dollars.
Some sugar has been cultivated in Oppelousas and St.
Martin's, but, owing to mismanagement or the climate, it
has not succeeded well.
The parish of St. Mary is in no place more than ten
miles wide, having the sea on one side, and Lake Platt
and the Attchaflallaya on the other, which may have an
THE UNITED STATES. 383
influence on the early frosts, and protect the cane crop
till it reaches maturity.
The Tesche lands lie mostly from ten to fifteen feet
above the highest swells produced by the Mississippi
floods. In the year 1813, and 1815, when there were
very great freshets, the lakes between the prairies and the
Mississippi, and with them the Tesche, rose about eight
feet above their common level. But a recurrence of this
can scarcely be expected, as the levees on the Great River
are rapidly extending, which will prevent its waters
from flowing into the lakes. But even if the levees
should be demolished, the prairies are too high ever to be
inundated.
The Vermillion is never affected by the Mississippi.
The lands on its banks (and, indeed, in every other part of
the country except the Tesche) are from 30 to 100 feet
above the level of the sea.
Sloops of 100 tons can ascend the Tesche to Nova
Iberia, 600 miles from its mouth ; though the produce of
the country is seldom carried direct to the ocean, the
Tesche, and AttchafTallaya communicate with the Missis-
sippi by the Lafourch and Plaquamine ; a voyage from
any part of those rivers can be easily made to New-Or-
leans in nine days.
Along the coast of Attakapas are found four islands,
viz. Belle Isle, Cole Blanche, Grand Cote, and Petite
Ance, which bear no resemblance to the main land, and
appear to be remnants of some ancient continent. They
rise several hundred feet above the tides, and I would
suppose originally belonged to a high diversified coun-
try Be this as it may, they have a very fertile soil, and
produce the best sugar and cotton of Louisiana. The
four islands contain about 7000 superficial acres of good
land. There are sugar establishments on all but Belle
Isle. There are other islands lying in the Attchaffallaya,
or Berwick's Bay, which have a very good soil, but once
in ten or fifteen years have been liable to be overflowed
by the heaviest swells of the Mississippi.
In Oppelousas about one third of the population is
Americans. In St. Martin's one fifth, and in St. Mary's
more than a moiety. The rest are principally French.
384 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
Lands throughout the whole country are to be had at a
very low rate, though they are rising every day in value.
JGood tracts in the parish of St. Mary's, with plenty of
wood, may be had for two and three dollars the acre.
With a salubrious climate, a rich soil, and industrious
population, Attakapas, and Oppelousas, will soon not only
be called the richest counties of Louisiana, but outstrip
in agriculture any section of the union. Such a country
is worthy of observation, and with the hope that the re-
marks I have made may result to the advantage of emi-
grants, I submit them to my countrymen.
Comparative Estimate of the
POPULATION OF THE UNITED STATES.
The northern and eastern sections of the Union are far
less favoured by nature for the production of the fruits of
the earth, than the southern and western. And hence
emigrations are frequent, and the drain of inhabitants
great. And yet the fact is evident, that in New-England
the population is constantly and rapidly increasing. By
comparing the census of 1810 with that of 1820, we per-
ceive a very regular progression, and with very few ex-
ceptions, an increase equal to that which might be ex-
pected, even without the loss of emigrants. During the
ten years mentioned, in Maine, the most barren state in
New-England, the net gain of inhabitants was near 70,000,
being an additioa of nearly one third of its former num-
bers. The increase was in all the counties.
In the same time New-Hampshire gained about 30,000,
being an increase of more than one ninth of her former
numbers, and no loss in either of her counties. In Ver-
mont, the increase was about 18,000, and no loss in any
section of the state. In Massachusetts, the gain was
51,000, being an increase of about one eighth. Berkshire
county lost two hundred and seventeen, and Duke's county
gained but two. In Rhode Island, the gain was much
less than might be expected, considering* the flourishing
state of manufactures, and the encouragement held out
to enterprise. The whole increase was but about 6,000,
THE UNITED STATES. 385
being one twelfth of her former population. In New-
port county, the loss was about five hundred. In Con-
necticut, the gain was 14,000, being an increase of about
one twentieth of its former numbers. Thus the net in^
crease in the New-England states, during ten years, was
183,000.
"We come now to the great state of New-York, which
is divided into four large districts, viz. South, Middle,
Eastern, and Western. The gain of inhabitants in the
South, during ten years, was nearly 39,000, of which New-
York city and county received about 27,000. The gain
in the Middle district was 37,000. In the Eastern, the
increase was 23,000, in which is Washington county,
which lost during this time, nearly six thousand. The
greatest increment was in the Western district, which
nearly doubled in the aggregate, and some of the counties
of which, more than tripled their former numbers. St.
Lawrence, Courtland, Broome, and Ontario doubled ; and
Genesee increased more than four fold. The whole gain
in the state was 413,763, which is an addition to the cen-
sus of 1810, of one half, wanting a fraction. The popu-
lation of the state may now be fairly estimated at sixteen
hundred thousand.
New- Jersey exhibits a regular progression, having added
to her population but thirty-two thousand, each of the
counties having contributed about a fair proportion. The
addition is about one seventh in ten years. Pennsylvania
exhibits a considerable increase during this period, but
the result in the different counties is very unequal. Clear-
field, Erie, Jefferson, M'Kean, Tioga, and Warren, have
about doubled, and some of them more than tripled their
numbers, while Cumberland, Dauphin, and Northampton,
have lost thousands, and Northumberland alone, twenty-
one thousand, being three thousand more than half its
former inhabitants. The whole increment to the state
during ten years, was 239,307, of which Philadelphia city
and county claim nearly twenty-six thousand. Delaware
had gained but seventy-five during this time, the whole
population in 1820, amounting to less than 73,000. In
Maryland, the following counties diminished about thir-
teen thousand in ten years, viz. Charles, Montgomery,
33
386 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
Harford, Queen Ann, and Dorchester. The whole gain
in the state, however, was near twenty-seven thousand,
the whole population being more than four hundred and
seven thousand.
Having now come in course to the District of Columbia,
a particular description may be desirable, at least so far
as the principal city is worthy of note.
Washington city, the metropolis of the United States,
is pleasantly situated on the north-east bank of the River
Potomac, at the point of land formed by the junction of the
Eastern branch, 300 miles from the mouth of the river,
and three miles below the head of the tide. It is sepa-
rated from Georgetown on the N. W. by Rock Creek, and
Tyber Creek passes through the middle of the city. Wash-
ington is regularly laid out in streets running clue north
and south, intersected by others at right angles. Besides
these streets, which are from 80 to 110 feet, wide, there are
avenues, from 130 to 160 feet broad, which diverge from
centres in various parts of the city, crossing the other
streets transversely. At the points from which the ave-
nues diverge are spacious squares. The ground embraced
in the plan of the city is very extensive, but only a small
portion of it is yet occupied with buildings.
The principal public buildings and establishments are,
1. The Capitol, which is finely situated on an eminence,
commanding a view of every part of the city, and a con-
siderable portion of the adjacent country. According to
the original plan, it is to be composed of a central edifice
and two wings. The two wings were in a state of con-
siderable forwardness in 1814, when the British army,
under General Ross, gained possession of the city, and
destroyed them, together with the President's house and
other public structures, and an extensive library, which
had been purchased for the use of congress. The wings
of the capitol are now rebuilt, and the central building
has been commenced. The wings are each 100 feet
square, and the whole building, when completed, will be
a magnificent edifice, presenting a front of 362 feet. 2.
The President's house, situated about a mile and a half
west of the capitol, on the avenue leading to Georgetown.
It is 170 feet by 85, and two stories high. 3. Four spa-
THE UNITED STATES. 387
cious buildings, erected in the vicinity of the president's
house, for the accommodation of the heads of the great
departments of government. 4. An extensive navy-yard,
situated on the eastern branch, which forms a safe and
commodious harbour. 5. A fort, which, from the ex-
treme southern point of the land on which the city stands,
commands the channel of the Potomac ; and, 6. the gene-
ral post-office, a brick edifice, about a mile W. N. W. of
the capitol. The style of the architecture of the capitol
is Corinthian, and that of the president's house Ionic ; and
both buildings are constructed of free stone. The capi-
tol square is enclosed by a strong and handsome iron rail-
ing ; and being planted with trees, and otherwise orna-
mented, will afford a delightful walk for the inhabitants and
visiters of the city. The amount expended by the Uni-
ted States on the public buildings, previously to their de-
struction by the British, in August, 1814, was $1,214,291,
and there have been appropriated, towards rebuilding the
same, $1,207,788.
Besides the buildings and establishments above enume-
rated, Washington contains a city hall, a theatre, a col-
lege, 4 banks, several manufacturing establishments, and
12 houses for public worship, 3 for Presbyterians, 2 for
Episcopalians, 2 for Baptists, 2 for Methodists, 2 for Ca-
tholics, and 1 for Friends. There is a bridge about one
mile long, over the Potomac, three over the eastern branch,
and two over Rock Creek. The population of Washing-
tori, in 1800, was 3,210 ; in 1810, 8,208 ; and in 1820,
13,247, of whom 3,741 were blacks.
The whole gain in the district, during ten years, was
nine thousand.
The southern states, except Alabama, Mississippi, and
Louisiana, afford but small inducements for the settlement
of emigrants. The two former have considerably in-
creased, and the latter nearly doubled her numbers in ten
years. Tennessee has increased in the same ratio, and
Kentucky has gained more than fifteen thousand annually,
numbering, at the last census, nearly six hundred thou-
sand. But in point of gain in numbers, Ohio takes the
lead of all her sister states, having increased, from 1810
to 1820, 350,674 ; and, at the last census, was noted down
at 518,434.
388 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
Having now digressed a little from the track of histo-
ry, without entirely losing our way, we shall return to
the thread of our work, as connected more particularly
with the doings of our government.
CHAPTER XVII,
President Monroe's Administration.
Mr. Monroe was sworn into office as President of the
United States, on the fourth of March, 1817, and entered
on his duties under favourable auspices. On his acces-
sion to the presidency, the country was in a prosperous
state. War had ceased, and with it much of the asperity
of political excitement and party bickering. But to re-
pair the losses of the war, and to regain the commercial
prosperity, which had been nearly annihilated, was not
the work of a moment. Much of the commerce to which
our attention had been turned, had fallen into other hands,
and ship building, excepting for the navy, had been nearly
forgotten. Our country was inundated by foreign fabrics,
and the specie, which had been borrowed at a great pre-
mium, was fast leaving the country. But still the inau-
gural address of the president was encouraging, and he
anticipated a return of our former prosperity.
During the summer and autumn of 1817, the president
made a tour through the northern and eastern sections of
the Union, where his presence was welcomed with the
greatest cordiality, and party feeling seemed merged in
national patriotism. But, in this journey, the national
interests were a principal object. Large sums had been
appropriated by the national legislature for the defence of
the sea-coast, the safety of our inland frontier, the in-
crease of the navy, and the establishment of national
docks, the superintendence of which was committed to
the president. That he might discharge his duties with
fidelity and judgment, he determined to obtain the neces-
sary information by personal observation.
From Washington, which he left on the first of June
THE UNITED STATES. 389
he went by land to Boston, passing through the principal
cities on his route, amidst the congratulations and bene-
dictions of a happy people. From Boston, where he
spent several days, he passed through Salem, Newbury-
port, and Portsmouth, to Portland, whence his course was
directed to Pittsburgh, New-York. This important post
occupied his attention several days. His course thence
was directed to Detroit, through Ogdensburg and Sack-
etts' Harbour. On the 17th of September he arrived at
Washington, having travelled three thousand miles in
little more than three months.
On the first of December congress convened, and the
message of the president stated, that our national credit
was rising, and that the defences of the country were in a
state of_ forwardness ; that arrangements were made with
Great Britain, to reduce the naval force of the two coun-
tries on the lakes ; that each country M as to retain pos-
session of the islands as before the late war, and that our
foreign relations were of a pacific character. He also
specially recommended the officers and soldiers of the
revolutionary army, to the notice of congress, and press-
ingly advocated a repeal of the internal duties, as need-
less to be continued any longer.
Mississippi was admitted into the union as an indepen-
dent state on the eleventh, with the usual formalities. In
the course of the same month, an expedition, which had
been set on foot against Florida, by foreign adventurers,
was checked by the troops of the United States. The
actors claimed authority under the colonies of South
America, and had formed an establishment at Amelia
Island, a Spanish province. The American government,
therefore, saw proper to take possession of the island,
and break up the haunt of a lawless banditti.
Another establishment, similar in its profession and
practices, was formed at Galvezton, an island on the Texas
coast belonging to the United States. Slaves, in consider-
able numbers, were thus smuggled into the country, and
importations of goods were made through the same chan-
nel, in a clandestine manner. A naval force, with troops,
was jent against them, and the island surrendered without
loss of blood.
33*
390 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
During this session several important bills passed the
ordeal of congress, particularly that for the relief of revo-
lutionary officers and soldiers. In April, 1818, Illinois
adopted a state constitution, and, in December following,
was admitted into the Union.
In May, 1818, the president left Washington to" view
the extensive shores of the Chesapeake Bay, and embark-
ing at Annapolis, examined the coast and waters, with a
view of ascertaining the propriety of establishing a naval
depot in that vicinity; and having accomplished the object
of his visit, returned through Virginia to the seat of go-
vernment, which he reached on the 17th of June. He
every where experienced the same welcome reception
which he met in his tour through the northern states
during the preceding year.
On the 27th of May, the president and senate ratified
the treaty concluded between Mr. Russel and the Swedish
Government, and the same was ratified by the king of
vveden on the 24th of July following.
The Seminole Indians, urged on, as is supposed, by
foreign emissaries who resided among them, commenced
hostilities, and several murders were committed; but the
Indians refused to give up the guilty, alleging that the
whites were the original aggressors. In consequence of
this refusal, General Gaines was ordered to remove, dis-
cretionally, such Indians as were still on the lands ceded
by the Creeks to the United States.
In the execution of this order, one man and woman was
killed, and two women made prisoners. Soon after this
the Indians fired on a second detachment, who resisted
them, and a skirmish ensued, in which several were killed
and wounded.
Shortly after this event, Lieutenant Scott, with a de-
tachment of forty men, seven women, and some chil-
dren, ascending the Appalachicola, with supplies for the
garrison at Fort Scott, was attacked, and the whole par-
ty killed, excepting six men, who made their escape, and
a woman, who was taken prisoner.
From this time the war became serious. The Indians,
in considerable numbers, were embodied, and an open at-
tack was made on Fort Scott, to which General Gaines,
THE UNITED STATES. 391
with about six hundred regular soldiers, was for a time
confined. Information of this state of things being com-
municated to the department of war, General Jackson
was ordered, December 26, to take the field, and directed,
if he should deem the force with General Gaines, amount-
ing to one thousand eight hundred men, insufficient to
cope with the enemy, " to call on the executives of the
adjacent states, for such an additional militia force as
he might deem requisite." On the receipt of this order,
General Jackson prepared to comply ; but instead of
calling on the executives of the neighbouring states, espe-
cially on the governor of Tennessee, who lived near his
residence, he addressed a circular to the patriots of West
Tennessee, inviting one thousand of them to join his
standard.
At the same time he wrote to the governor of Tennes-
see, M'Minn, informing him of the appeal he had made to
the men whom he had led to victory on the plains of Tal-
ledega, Emuckfau, and Tohopeko, and added, " should
the appeal prove inefficacious, I will embrace the earliest
opportunity of making the requisition on you for a like
number of drafted im'litia." The call of General Jack-
son was promptly obeyed ; and the thousand volunteers,
officered by the general, or by the volunteers themselves,
were ordered to Fort Scott.
Before taking up his march, he wrote, January 12th, to
the secretary of war, apprising him of the appeal he had
made to the Tennesseans, assigning as his reason for such
a step, that he deemed the force with General Gaines,
one thousand eight hundred, insufficient, and " that the
greater portion of this number were drafted militia from
Georgia, who might apply fur their discharge at the expi-
ration of three months from the time they were muster-
ed," about the time he should probably reach Fort Scott.
To this communication the secretary replied " I have
the honour to acquaint you of the entire approbation of
the president, of all the measures which you have adopt-
ed, to terminate the rupture with the Indians."
Believing that the Seminoles could not be subdued, un-
less they were followed into Florida, General Jackson
marched upon St. Marks, a weak garrison, where a por-
392 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
tion of them had taken refuge. Possession of the fon
was taken easily, and occupied by Jackson as an Ameri-
can post. The main army then marched to Suwaney Ri-
ver, where they consumed an Indian village. At this
time the court martial was held, at which Alexander Ar-
buthnot, and Robert C. Ambrister, were tried and con-
demned to death. Two Indian Chiefs were hung without
trial. The following is extracted from the doings of the
court.
" The court, on examination of evidence, and on ma-
ture deliberation, find the prisoner, Robert C. Ambrister,
guilty of the first and second charges, and do therefore
sentence him to suffer death by being shot. The mem-
bers, requesting a reconsideration of the vote on this sen-
tence, and it being had, they sentence the prisoner to re-
ceive fifty stripes on his bare back, and be confined with a
ball and chain, to hard labour, for twelve calendar months.
The commanding general approves the finding and sen-
tence of the court, in the case of A. Arbuthnot, and ap-
proves the finding and first sentence of the court, in the
case of Robert C. Ambrister, and disapproves the recon-
sideration of the sentence of the honourable court in this
case.
"It appears from the evidence and pleading of the pri-
soner, that he did lead and command within the territo
ry of Spain, (being a subject of Great Britain,) the In
dians in war against the United States, those nations be-
ing at peace. It is an established principle of the laws of
nations, that any individual of a nation, making war
against the citizens of any other nation, they being at
peace, forfeits his allegiance, and becomes an outlaw and
pirate. This is the case of Robert C. Ambrister, clearly
shown by the evidence adduced.
"The commanding general orders that Brevet Major
A. C. D. Fanning, of the corps of artillery, will have, be-
tween the hours of eight and nine o'clock, A. M., A. Ar
buthnot suspended by the neck with a rope, until he is
dead, and Robert CX Ambrister to be shot to death, agree-
ably to the sentence of the court."
General Jackson soon received information, that the
governor of Pensacola favoured the Indians ; on the know-
THE UNITED STATES. 393
ledge of which, he took up the line of march for the capi-
tal, where he arrived at the end of twenty days. The
place was taken with hardly a show of resistance. The
governor having escaped to Barancas, a fort six miles dis-
tant, it was invested by the American troops, and taken
after a resistance of two days, the troops being transported
to Havana. A military government was instituted, of
which information was given to the secretary of war.
The president, however, soon restored the country to the
Spaniards, giving the reasons for its occupation.
The singular steps taken by the commanding general
in this affair excited considerable sensations in the minds
of Americans, and the subjects of complaint were brought
before congress. A military committee censured his con-
duct, but the house did not concur.
In January, 1819, a convention between the United
States and Great Britain, was sanctioned by the president,
and ratified by the prince regent in November following.
The first article of this instrument, gave liberty to the
citizens of the United States, to take fish on the northern,
western, and southern banks of Newfoundland. By the
second, the northern boundaries of the United States,
from the Lake of the Woods to the Stoney Mountains,
were established. The fourth extended the term of
the convention of 1815, relative to commerce, ten years
longer.
In February following, East and West Florida, with
the adjacent islands, were ceded to the United States by
Spain. This treaty settled the boundaries between the
two countries. But the ratification of this treaty was de-
layevl by the king of Spain, under pretence that an ex-
pedition against Texas had been fitted out by the United
States. The necessary explanations were made by the
president, and a bill was introduced into congress, to take
possession of Florida, but the step was not taken, and in
October, the treaty was ratified by the king of Spain.
Formal possession was given to the United States in July
following.
In the spring of 1819, Arkansas was constituted a ter-
ritory by an act of the congress. During the summer, the
president visited the southern section of the United States
394 UNIVERSAL HISTOXY OF
with a view to the great interests of the nation. He passed
through Charleston, Savannah, Augusta, Nashville, the
Cherokee nation, Louisville, Lexington, and thence re-
turned to Washington. In December, Alabama was ad-
mitted into the union. This territory having long been
a bone of contention, we add the following :
After the peace of 1783, Georgia laid claim to this ter-
ritory, and exercised jurisdiction over it, until the begin-
ning of the present century. In 1795, an act passed the
legislature of Georgia, by which twenty-five millions of
acres, of its western territory, were sold to companies
for five hundred thousand dollars, and the purchase money
was paid into the treasury. The purchasers of these
lands soon after sold them at advanced prices. The sale
of the territory excited a warm opposition in Georgia, and
at a subsequent meeting of the legislature, the transaction
was impeached on the ground of bribery, corruption, and
tinconstitutionality.
The records respecting the sale were ordered to be
burnt, and the five hundred thousand dollars to be refund-
ed to the purchasers. Those who had acquired titles of
the original purchasers, instituted suits in the federal
courts. In 1802, however, Georgia ceded to the United
States all her western territory, for one million two hun-
dred and fifty thousand dollars. On this event the pur-
chasers of the Yazoo land petitioned congress for redress
and compensation. After considerable opposition, an act
passed for reimbursing them with funded stock, called the
Mississippi stock.
In the following year, Maine, which had formerly be-
longed to Massachusetts, was erected into an indepen-
dent state, and joined the federal union. The separa-
tion from the parent state was on the most amicable
terms.
Mr. Monroe having been re-elected president, took the
usual oath of office on the 5th of March, 1821, and Mr.
Tompkins was again elected vice-president. On the 10th
of August, the proclamation of the president announced,
that Missouri was admitted into the federal compact as an
integral part.
Upon the cession of Louisiana to the United States,
THE UNITED STATES. 395
the district, which now forms the state of Louisiana,
was separated from the territory, and made a distinct go-
vernment, by the name of the territory of Orleans. In
18 il the territory of Orleans became a state, by the name
of Louisiana. The remaining part of the original pro-
vince of Louisiana, extending to the Pacific, was erected
into a territorial government, and called Missouri. In
1818 19, application was made to congress, by the peo-
ple of this territory, to form a state constitution. A bill
was accordingly introduced for the purpose, a provision
of which forbade slavery, or involuntary servitude. The
bill, with this provision, passed the house of represen-
tatives, but was rejected in the senate, and, in conse-
quence of this disagreement, the measure, for the time,
failed.
In the session of 1819 20, the bill was revived, and,
after long and animated debates, a compromise was effect-
ed, by which slavery was to be tolerated in Missouri, and
forbidden in all that part of Louisiana, as ceded by France,
lying north of 3() 30' north latitude, except so much as
was included within the limits of the state. In the mean
time, the people of Missouri had formed a state constitu-
tion. When this constitution was presented to congress
in 1820 21, a provision in it, which required th legis-
lature to pass laws " to prevent free negroes and mulat-
toes from coming to, and settling in, the state," was
strenuously opposed, on the ground that it violated the
rights of such persons of that description as were citi-
zens of any of the United States.
The contest occupied a great part of the Cession, and
it was finally determined, by a small majority, that Mis-
souri should be admitted, upon the fundamental condi-
tion, that the contested clause should not be construed to
authorize the passage of any laws excluding citizens of
other states from enjoying the privileges to which they are
entitled by the constitution of the United States. It was
also provided, that if the legislature of Missouri should,
by a solemn public act, previously to the fourth Monday
of November, 1821, declare the assent of the state to this
fundamental condition, the president should issue his pro-
clamation, declaring the admission complete On the
396 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
24th of June, 1821, the legislature of Missouri assented
to the fundamental condition; and, on the 10th of Au-
gust following, the president's proclamation was issued,,
declaring the admission complete.
During the first session of the seventeenth congress,
a territorial government was established for Florida. At
the opening of the second session, the president informed
congress, that, in June, a convention of navigation and
commerce, resting essentially on a basis of reciprocal
and equal advantage to the two countries, had been con-
cluded between France and the United States ; that the
prohibition which had been imposed on commerce be-
tween the United States and the British colonies, in the
West Indies, and on this continent, had been removed,
and that the ports of those colonies had been opened to
the vessels of the United States, by an act of the British
parliament.
In a second message, a few days subsequently, the pre-
sident introduced to the notice of congress, the interest-
ing subject of the " multiplied outrages and depredations
recently committed on our seamen and commerce, by
pirates in the West Indies, and Gulf of Mexico," and re-
commended the immediate organization of an efficient
force to suppress them. A bill was accordingly intro-
duced, authorizing the president to provide such a force,
and to despatch it immediately to the protection of our
persecuted seamen.
Immediately after the passage of the above bill, Com-
modore Porter was appointed to this service, and, soon
after, hoisting his broad pennant on board the Peacok f
stretched his way, with a respectable force, to chastise
those miscreants, that regard no law, and that feel no
mercy.
This session closed on the 3d of March, 1823, in
which little business of general importance had been
transacted.
At the opening of the first session of the eighteenth
congress, in December, the president spoke in high terms
nf the prosperous state of the finances, and of our ami-
sable relations with foreign nations. In relation to the
efforts of the executive to stop the depredations of thr
THE UNITED STATES. 397
pirates on the national commerce, the president stated,
that in the West Indies, and the Gulf of Mexico, the
naval force had been augmented, according to the provi-
sions of congress. " This armament," said he, " has
been eminently successful in the accomplishment of its
pbject. The piracies by which cur commerce, in the
neighbourhood of the Island of Cuba, has been afflicted,
have been repressed, and the confidence of the merchants,
Li a great measure, restored."
In allusion to the Greek revolution, the president has
the following judicious remarks ; and though his half-
prophetic wishes are not yet realized, the prospect that
they will soon be is certainly a bright one. " A strong
hope has been long entertained, founded on the heroic
struggle of the Greeks, that they would succeed in their
contest, and resume their equal station among the nations
of the earth. It is believed that the whole civilized world
takes a deep interest in their welfare.
" Although no power has declared in their favour, yet
none, according to our information, has taken part against
them. Their cause, and their name, have protected them
from dangers which might, ere this, have overwhelmed
any other people. The ordinary calculations of interest,
and of acquisition, with a view to aggrandizement, which
mingle so much in the transactions of nations, seem to
have had no effect in regard to them. From the facts
which have come to our knowledge, there is good cause
to believe that their enemy has lost, for ever, all dominion
over them that Greece will again become an independent
nation. That she may obtain that rank, is the object of
our most ardent wishes."
Speaking of Spain and Portugal, in relation to the at-
tempts of the " Holy Alliance" to extend their political
system to South America, the executive observed, " but,
on this topic, the citizens of the United States cherish
sentiments the most friendly in favour of the liberty and
happiness of their fellow men on that side of the Atlan-
tic. In the wars of the European powers, in matters re-
lating to themselves, we have never taken any part, nor
does it comport with our policy so to do.
" It is only when our rights are invaded, or seriouslj
398 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
menaced, that we resent injuries, or make preparation for
our defence. With the movements in this hemisphere,
we are, of necessity, more immediately connected, and
by causes which must be obvious to all enlightened and
impartial observers. The political system of the allied
powers is essentially different, in this respect, from that
of America. This difference proceeds from that which
exists in their respective governments. And to the de-
fence of our own, which has been achieved by the loss oi
so much blood and treasure, and matured by the wisdom
of our most enlightened citizens, and under which we
have enjoyed unexampled felicity, this whole nation is
devoted. We owe it, therefore, to candour, and to the
amicable relations existing between the United States and
those powers, to declare, that we should consider any
attempt, on their part, to extend their system to any
portion of this hemisphere, as dangerous to our peace
and safety.
" With existing colonies, or dependencies of any Eu-
ropean power, we have not interfered, and shall not in-
terfere. But with the governments who have declared
their independence, and maintained it, and whose inde-
pendence we have, on great consideration, and on just
principles, acknowledged, we could not view any inter-
position for the purpose of oppressing them, or control-
ling, in any other manner, their destiny, by any European
power, in any other light than as the manifestation of an
unfriendly disposition towards the United States. In the
war between those new governments and Spain, we de-
clared our neutrality at the time of their recognition, and
to this we have adhered, and shall continue to adhere,
provided no change shall occur, which, in the judgment
of the competent authority of this government, shall
make & corresponding change on the part of the United
States, indispensable to their security."
To this language, so temperate, just, and independent,
every good citizen responded amen. His remarks on the
state of the country, in the same message, are too valua-
ble to be omittea.
" If we compare the present condition of our Union,
with its actual state at the close of our revolution, the
THE UNITED STATES. 399
history of the world furnishes no example of a progress
in improvement in all the important circumstances which
constitute the happiness of a nation, which bears any re-
semblance to it. At the first epoch, our population did
not exceed three millions. By the last census it amount-
ed to about ten millions; and what is more extraordinary,
it is almost altogether native, for the emigration from
other countries has been inconsiderable. At the first
epoch, half the territory within our acknowledged limits,
was uninhabited and a wilderness. Since then, new ter-
ritory has been acquired, of vast extent, comprising with-
in it many rivers, particularly the Mississippi, the naviga-
tion of which, to the ocean, was of the highest import-
ance to the original states.
" Over this territory our population has expanded in eve-
ry direction, and new states have been established, almost
equal in number to those which formed the first bond of
our union. This expansion of our population, and ac-
cession of new states to our union, have had the happiest
effect on all its higher interests. That it has eminently
augmented our resources, and added to our strength and
respectability as a power, is admitted by all. But it is
not in these important circumstances only that this happy
effect is felt. It is manifest that, by enlarging the basis of
our system, and increasing the number of states, the sys-
tem itself has been greatly strengthened in both its
branches. Consolidation and disunion have thereby been
rendered equally impracticable. Each government, con-
fiding in its own strength, has less to apprehend from the
other ; and, in consequence, each enjoying a greater free-
dom of action, is rendered more efficient for all the pui
poses for which it was instituted."
The sympathy expressed by the president for the suf-
ferings of the Greeks, called forth a resolution from Mr.
Webster, providing for the expenses of an agent to
Greece, whenever the executive should deem the ap-
pointment proper and expedient. In offering the reso-
lution, Mr. Webster stated, it was far from being his wish,
in any manner, to commit the house, in this or any of the
political contests of Europe ; but the President of the
United States having, in his message to congress, not
400 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
only expressed a belief that the Greek nation, in its pre-
sent struggle with its opposers, had the good wishes of
the whole civilized world, but also advanced the opinion
that the Turkish dominion over that country was lost for-
ever ; he thought that if such were the fact, it was im-
portant that congress should act upon the subject.
The main object in view was to obtain from the house
an expression, responsive to the sentiment of the mes-
sage, in reference to the sacrifices and sufferings of that
heroic people sacrifices and sufferings, which ought to
excite the sympathy of every liberal minded man in Eu-
rope, as well as in this country. But whatever might be
the case with other nations, we certainly ought not to be
restrained from expressing, with freedom, what are our
views in relation to the Greek cause, so far as maybe done
without committing ourselves in the contest. And he real-
ly did hope that we should show to the world, that there
is, at least, one government which does entertain a proper
view of that barbarous despotism, which, under the eyes
of Europe, has been permitted, by a system of the foul-
est atrocity, to attempt to crush an interesting Christian
nation.
In most of our large towns and literary institutions,
meetings were held in reference to this subject, and reso-
lutions adopted, expressive of sentiments alike honoura-
ble to our citizens as members of a free community, and
as friends of humanity. They spoke a language worthy
of the cause which called them forth, and such as the cir-
cumstances of the age require. They are a proof, too,
of the existence and the energy of that principle in the
American people, which removes /them farther from the
supporters of legitimacy than the breadth of the Atlan-
tic, and is a safer bulwark than its billows.
From that time to the present, large contributions
have been made in the United States, and forwarded to
the proper authorities of that oppressed and ill-fated coun-
try. At present, the armies of Russia threaten the capital
of Turkey, and little doubt remains of the emancipation
of the Greeks.
The session of congress closed in May, in 1824 ; the
most important bills which passed, being one to abolish
THE UNITED STATES. 401
imprisonment for debt, and the other establishing a tariff
of duties on imports. The latter of these occupied the
time of Congress during ten weeks, and at last passed by
a majority of five only, two members being absent.
On the 16th of August, the Marquis La Fayette, ac-
companied by his son, and M. La Vasseur, his secretary,
landed in New- York, where he was welcomed in a man-
ner which* evinced a sense of national gratitude, never
surpassed.
From New-York, La Fayette passed through the
country to Boston, constantly receiving the most enthu-
siastic congratulations of the people. Not only at every
place where he stopped, but as he passed along the road,
thousands came to catch a glimpse of him, and bid
" Welcome La Fayette." Having visited most of the
principal to\vns in Massachusetts, New-Hampshire, Rhode
Island, and Connecticut, he again returned to New- York.
During this tour, it is impossible to convey, in general
terms, an adequate idea of the excitement into which the
country w r as thrown. Committees were constantly ar-
riving from distant towns at the places where he stopped,
to solicit the honour of receiving him, and to know on
what day, and at what hour, his arrival might be expected.
In some instances, gentlemen residing at a distance from
his route, directed the news of his approach to be sent
them by expresses. Meantime the general was so oblig-
ing as to allow himself to be transported with the utmost
rapidity from place to place, often travelling most of the
night, so as not to disappoint the anxious expectations of
the people. From New-York the general went to Phila-
delphia, Baltimore, Washington, &c, constantly receiv-
ing from the people the same cordial welcome, and
witnessing the same demonstrations of joy wherever he
went.
But the feelings of the nation demanded that something
more should be done for General La Fayette, than could
be expressed by acclamation alone. His love of liberty
had been the means of depriving him of a great propor-
tion of his fortune. When, during our revolution, the
country was so exhausted as to be unable to clothe or
feed her little army, La Fayette not only gave all his pay
34*
402 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OP
to government, but advanced money which never was re-
funded : so that, in addition to the debt of gratitude, the
nation owed him for advancements made during her ne-
cessities. It was the exercise of the same leading princi-
ple, (the love of liberty,) which occasioned the confiscation
of his estates in France, when the Jacobin faction con->
trolled the kingdom.
Under every consideration, the nation was bound to
show La Fayette and the world, that in the prosperity of
his adopted country, his former services were remembered
with too much gratitude to be passed over without some
permanent mark of national beneficence.
The president of the United States, therefore, in his
message to congress, at the opening of the last session,
recommended, in appropriate terms, the consideration of
General La Fayette's eminent services to the country,
and requested that the legislative body of the nation would
devise some means of making him at least a partial remu-
neration. Agreeably to this recommendation, congress
appointed a committee to deliberate on the subject, and
on the 20th of December, " Mr. Hayne, from the commit-
tee appointed on so much of the president's message as
relates to making provision for the services of General La
Fayette, reported the following bill :
" Be it enacted, by the Senate and House of Represert.ta*
tives of the U/iited States, in Congress assembled, That
the sum of two hundred thousand dollars be, and the same
is hereby granted to Major General La Fayette, in com-
pensation for his important services and expenditures
during the American Revolution ; and that for this pur-
pose a stock to that amount be issued in his favour,
dated the 4th of July, 1824, bearing an annual interest of
six per cent, payable quarter yearly, and redeemable on
the 31st of December, 1834.
" Sec. 2. And be it further enacted, That one complete
township of land be, and the same is, hereby granted
to the said Major General La Fayette ; and that the presi-
dent of the United States be authorized to cause the said
township to be located on any of the public lands which
remain unsold; and that patents be issued to General
La Fayette for the same."
THE UNITED STATES. 403
On the 21st this bill was made the order of the day in
the Senate, and the following debate on it, extracted from
the journals of congress, will tend to show with how
much reason the bill was passed :
Senate, Tuesday, December 21.
" The Senate proceeded, as in committee of the whole,
to the consideration of the bill making provision for the
services and expenditures of General La Fayette.
" Mr. Hayne, (of S. C.) in reply to Messrs. Macon and
Brown, who objected to the bill, remarked, that the obser-
vations made by the honourable gentlemen rendered it
his duty, though it was done with regret, as he had hoped
the bill would pass without opposition, as chairman of the
committee, to submit thb principle on which the commit-
tee had proceeded in pi senting the present bill. He
trusted that he should be ahle to satisfy the scniples of
the honourable gentlemen, and that there would be no
necessity for recommitting the bill.
" With regard to the objections made by his friend on
his right, (Mr. Macon,) "they affected the making any
compensation, under any circumstances whatever, to in-
dividuals, either for services rendered, or sacrifices made.
He understood, he had said it was immaterial whether
an individual should have spent his substance in the ser-
vice of his country should have put his hand in his
purse, and paid the expenses of the war, still that for such
services no compensation could be made.
" He could show that this was the fact -that it was pre-
cisely the case with regard to General La Fayette. He
had expended his fortune in our service, and he should
contend it was right, it was necessary they were called
on by duty to themselves, at least to refund the expenses
to which he had been subjected. Mr. Hayne proceeded
to say, that he held documents in his hand which it be-
came his duty to submit to the senate documents de-
rived from the highest authority. The paper held in his
hand contained accounts from the proper officers, show-
ing the expenses of La Fayette, and pointing out the
manner in which his estate had been dissipated in tho
service of liberty. In the year 1777, he had an annual in-
404 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
come of 146,000 francs, equal to 28,700 dollars. This
had been almost entirely expended in the services which
he had rendered to liberty, in this and the other hemi-
sphere. During a period of six years, from the year 1777
to 1783, he had expended, in the American service,
700,000 francs, equal to 140,000 dollars. This document,
said Mr. Hayne, is derived from the most authentic
sources in France, and is come into my hands from a re-
spectable member of this house, without the knowledge
or consent of the general and his friends.
" The fact to which he called their attention was, that
during the six years the general had been engaged in the
service, he had expended 140,000 dollars of his fortune;
he was in a state of prosperity, and in the enjoyment of
a plentiful fortune in his own country, when he resolved
to come to this. He purchased a ship, raised, equipped,
armed, and clothed a regiment at his own expense, and
when he landed on these coasts, he came freighted with
the munitions of war, which he distributed gratuitously
to our army.
" It is on record that he clothed and put shoes on the
feet of the naked, suffering soldiers of America, and that
during six years he sacrificed 140,000 dollars. He asked
for no compensation he made out no account he re-
ceived no pay he spent his fortune for this country, and
not only gave his services, but hazarded his life in its de-
fence, shed his blood in its service, and returned home,
broken in his fortune. What did government do ? After
the war, in 1794, they gave him the full pay of a major
general, to which he was entitled twelve or fourteen years
before. If any American citizen had done as much, and
had brought in an account stating he had expended
140,000 dollars, and made application for compensation,
would it not have been granted ? Indeed, if we were to
make out an account current of the expenses and sacri-
fices of the general, it would far exceed the sum now pro-
posed. But he never rendered a claim ; he would have
starved ere he would have done it.
" I have other documents, said Mr. Hayne, to which I
shall briefly refer. There is one fact which shows how
alive he was to every honourable sentiment. He has
THE UNITED STATES. 405
made sacrifices that can never be repaid. Congress, in
their gratitude, made him a donation of 11,000 acres of
land, which, at the value of lands at that time, was not
worth more than 11,000 dollars; and, by act, in 1804,
they authorized him to locate this land on any spot in the
United States that might be vacant; and his agent ac-
cordingly located it in the neighbourhood of New-Orleans.
In 1807, congress passed an act confirming the title to the
city council of New-Orleans, of all lands within six hun-
dred yards of its limits.
" Part of the land belonging to General La Fayette was
included in this grant, and on the fact being communicated
to him in France by his agent, accompanied by legal ad-
vice of the validity of his title, he replied, that it was not
for him to inquire into the circumstances, but that he, re-
ceiving bounty from the government of the United States,
could only receive it as they chose to give it, and directed
his agent to enter a relinquishment of the land in ques-
tion. This land, according to the estimate of gentlemen
from Louisiana, is now worth 500,000 dollars. But there
is another circumstance to be stated : having located the
land, he made a contract with an Irish baronet for the
sale of a portion of it, and he afterwards made it his bu-
siness to find him out he relinquished his own right,
and, at his own expense, induced him to relinquish every
l<i>;al claim that he could have upon the United States.
This relinquishment was on file in the land office, and
Mr. Hayne submitted the documents to the examination
of the senate.
" These claims appear certainly in a very strong, and,
lie might say, irresistible shape before the senate. His
honourable friend on the right had said, that we treat this
gentlemen better than we do our native sons, but it ap-
peared that they barely did him justice. Did the gentle-
man doubt that this government were in the habit of
making remuneration for sacrifices and services he
would refer him to an act passed in 1790, granting com-
pensation to Frederick William Baron Steuben, for sacri-
fices and services.
" Mr. Hayne proceeded to refer to many instances where
the government had not only granted pecuniary assist-
406 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
ance, but had granted a whole township of land for sacri-
fices and services. He was not one of those who were
afraid of making precedents a good precedent can never
do evil ; and when nations, as well as individuals, gave
way to the noblest feelings of our nature, they best pro-
moted the glory of the country, and the welfare of the
people ; but the cause of La Fayette could form no prece-
dent it stood alone.
" Could this country be born again ? Could it assume a
second childhood, and be placed in circumstances similar
to those it had formerly been ? If this were possible, if
it could be reduced again to equal distress, be struggling
for existence, about to perish, without funds, arms, clo-
thing, or ammunition, and looking around for help if,
under such circumstances, a foreign nobleman should
step forth, and devote his life and fortune to her service,
sacrificing every thing, and shedding his blood in her be-
half, and while the scale was depressed, throwing himself
into the balance, and deciding its fate surely, such a
man would be entitled to the warmest gratitude of the
country."
After some further debate, the bill was passed, and a
committee appointed to wait on La Fayette with a copy
of the act. To an address of the committee on the oc-
casion of presenting the act, the marquis returned the fol-
lowing answer :
Gentlemen of the Committee of both Houses of Congress :
The immense and unexpected gift, which, in addition
to former and considerable bounties, it has pleased con-
gress to confer upon me, calls for the warmest acknow-
ledgments of an old American soldier, an adopted son of
the United States, two titles dearer to my heart than all
the treasures in the world.
However proud I am of every sort of obligation re-
ceived from the people of the United States, and their
representatives in congress, the large extent of this bene-
faction might have created in my mind feelings of hesita-
tion, not inconsistent, I hope, with those of the most grate-
ful reverence. But the so very kind resolutions of both
houses, delivered by you, gentlemen, in terms of equa*
THE UNITED STATES. 407
kindness, precludes all other sentiments, except those of
lively and profound gratitude, of which, in respectfully
accepting the munificent favour, I have the honour to beg
you will be the organs.
Permit me also, gentlemen, to join a tender of my af-
fectionate personal thanks to the expression of the highest
respect, with which I have the honour to be yourobedien
servant, LA FAYETTE.
At Washington, La Fayette was received by both
houses of Congress with suitable honours. Thence pass-
ing to the south, he visited most of the cities in that sec-
tion of the country.
After visiting various places, in the autumn of 1825, the
marquis took passage in the frigate Brandy wine, for France,
where he arrived in safety, and where he still lives, in the
enjoyment of a contented mind, and a clear conscience ;
the friend of man and the hero of freedom.
The second session of the eighteenth congress, com-
menced in December, on which occasion we find in the
presidential message : " Our relations with foreign powers
are of a friendly character, although certain interesting
differences remain unsettled. Our revenue under the mild
system of impost and tonnage, continues to be adequate
to all the purposes of government. Our agriculture,
commerce, manufactures, and navigation, flourish. Our
fortifications are advancing, in the degree authorized by
existing appropriations, to maturity, and due progress is
made in the augmentation of the navy to the limit pre-
scribed by law."
He also stated, that the convention of navigation and
commerce concluded between the United States and
France in 1822, still continued ; that our commercial in-
tercourse with the British dominions in Europe and the
East Indies, resting on the basis of reciprocity, which had
been arranged by a convention, in 1815, was confirmed
and continued for ten years, by treaty, in 1818; but that
the trade with the British colonies in the West Indies, had
not as yet been settled to the satisfaction of the executive;
that our commerce with Sweden had been placed on a
footing of perfect reciprocity, by treaty ; and with Rus-
408 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
sia, the Netherlands, Prussia, and the free Hanseatic ci-
ties, the dukedom of Oldenburg and Sardinia, by internal
regulations on each side, founded on mutual agreement
between the respective governments ; and that the great
and extraordinary changes which had happened in Spain
and Portugal, within the last two years, had not seriously
affected the friendly relations subsisting between them
and the United States ; although they had presented ob-
stacles to the adjustment of the particular subjects of dis-
cussion which have arisen with each. With the remain-
ing powers of Europe, with those on the coast of Bar-
bary, and with all the new South American states, our
relations were moreover stated to be of a friendly charac-
ter. The country has ministers plenipotentiary residing
with the republics of Colombia and Chili, and have re-
ceived ministers of the same rank, from Colombia, Guati-
mala, Buenos Ayres, and Mexico, and a charge d'affaires
from the independent government of Brazil.
From the view which he then took of our situation, it
was manifest that we were in a highly prosperous situa-
tion, and that our duty and happiness would consist in
handing these blessings down to posterity unimpaired.
This session closed constitutionally on the third of
March, 1825. The most interesting subjects which oc-
cupied its attention during the session, were the occupa-
tion of the Oregon on the North-west coast, and the sup-
pression of piracy. The bill respecting the former,
however, was lost in the senate ; being indefinitely laid
on the table ; while that respecting piracy passed ; which,
however, does little more than to authorize the building
of ten additional ships of war. The bill authorizing the
occupation of the Oregon, was passed by the house of
representatives, but had previously been so amended as
to provide only for a military occupation of the mouth of
the river. This amendment was adopted for the purpose
of avoiding a violation of the treaty with Great Britain,
which provides that the boundary line on that frontier
shall remain unsettled ten years.
The presidency of Mr. Monroe closed with the session,
during which the country enjoyed a state of peace and
uniform prosperity. He retired from office, enjoying
THE UNITED STATES. 409
the respect,' affection, and gratitude, of all who are able
duly to appreciate the blessings of having a wise ruler.
The choice of president, for the succeeding term of
four years, not being settled by the electoral vote, de-
volved on the House of Representatives. John Quinry
Adams was chosen, and took the oath of office on the 4th
of March, and John C. Calhoun was chosen vice presi-
dent by the electors.
The address of Mr. Adams, on his induction into office,
was such as might rationally be expected. Speaking of
our political creed, he says, it " is, without a dissenting
voice that can be heard, that the will of the people is the
source, and the happiness of the people the end, of all le-
gitimate government upon earth That the best security
for the beneficence, and the best guarantee against the
abuse of power, consists in the freedom, the purity, and
the frequency of popular elections.
" That the general government of the Union, and the
separate governments of these states, are all sovereign-
ties of limited powers ; fellow servants of the same mas-
ters, uncontrolled within their respective spheres, uncon-
trollable by encroachments upon each other. That the
firmest security of peace is the preparation, during peace,
of the defences of war. That a rigorous economy, and
accountability of public expenditure, should guard against
the aggravation, and alleviate, when possible, the burden
of taxation. That the military should be kept in strict
subordination to the civil power. That the freedom of
the press and of religious opinion should be inviolate.
That the policy of our country is peace, and the ark of
our salvation, union, are articles of faith upon which we
are all agreed."
The following paragraphs we copy entire, as too valua-
ble to be omitted, even in a condensed history.
" In the compass of thirty years, since this great na-
tional covenant was instituted, a body of laws enacted
under its authority, and in conformity with its provisions,
has unfolded its powers, and carried into practical opera-
tion its effective energies. Subordinate departments have
distributed the executive functions in their various rela-
tions, to foreign affairs, to the revenue and expenditures,
35
410 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
and to the military force of the Union, by land and sea.
A co-ordinate department of the judiciary has expounded
the constitution and the laws ; settling, in harmonious co-
incidence with the legislative will, numerous weighty
questions of construction which the imperfection of hu-
man language had rendered unavoidable.
" The year of jubilee, since the first formation of our
union, has just elapsed ; that of the declaration of our in-
dependence is at hand. The consummation of both was
effected by this constitution. Since that period, a popu-
lation of four millions has multiplied to twelve. A terri-
tory, bounded by the Mississippi, has been extended from
sea to sea. New states have been admitted to the Union,
in number nearly equal to those of the first confederation.
Treaties of peace, amity, and commerce, have been con-
cluded with the principal dominions of the earth. The
people of other nations, inhabitants of regions acquired
not by conquest, but by compact, have been united with
us in the participation of our rights and duties, of our
burdens and blessings.
" The forest has fallen by the axe of our woodsmen
the soil has been made to teem by the tillage of our far-
mers ; our commerce has whitened every ocean. The
dominion of man over physical nature has been extend-
ed by the invention of our artists. Liberty and law have
marched hand in hand. All the purposes of human as-
sociation have been accomplished as effectively as under
any other government on the globe, and at a cost little ex-
ceeding, in a whole generation, the expenditures of other
nations in a single year.
" Such is the unexaggerated picture of our condition,
under a constitution founded upon the republican princi-
ple of equal rights. To admit that this picture has its
shades, is but to say that it is still the condition of men
upon earth. From evil, physical, moral, and political, it
is not our claim to be exempt. We have suffered, some-
times by the visitation of Heaven, through disease ; often
by the wrongs and injustice of other nations, even to
the extremities of war ; and, lastly, by dissentions among
ourselves dissentions, perhaps inseparable from the en-
joyment of freedom, but which have more than once ap-
THE UNITED STATES. 411
peared to threaten the dissolution of the union, and, with
it, the overthrow of all the enjoyments of our present
lot, and all our earthly hopes of the future. The causes
of these dissentions have been various, founded upon
differences of speculation in the theory of republican
government ; upon conflicting views of policy, in our re-
lations with foreign nations ; upon jealousies of partial
and sectional interests, aggravated by prejudices and pre-
possessions, which strangers to each other are ever apt
to entertain."
On the 31st of May, a treaty of peace, amity, naviga-
tion, and commerce, between the United States and Co-
lombia, was ratified by the president. The first article
establishes a firm and inviolable peace, and perpetual
friendship. By the second, no partiality was to be shown
to any other nation to which each of the contracting par-
ties had not an equal right. By the sixth article, mer-
chant vessels, and ships of war, were to be protected in
the bays and harbours of both parties, either in stress of
weather, or to shield them from the pursuit of pirates, or
other enemies. The seventh grants a return of ships
and merchandise which may be taken in their respective
jurisdictions. By the tenth, both the contracting parties
engage, formally, to give their special protection to the
persons and property of the other, and to leave open and
free to them the tribunals of justice for their judicial re-
course, on the same terms as are usual with native citi-
zens of either party. By the eleventh, liberty of con-
science is mutually guaranteed. By the fourteenth,
liberty of commerce and navigation, except contraband
of war, in times which would endanger the safety of
either contracting party, is freely granted. The treaty
was to remain in force twelve years after the exchange of
ratifications.
The 7th of September was the day appointed for the
departure of the nation's guest, General La Fayette, from
Washington. On Mr. Adams devolved the task of bid-
ding him farewell, in the name of the nation to whom he
had been a constant friend, and a noble benefactor. How
well, and with what dignity and feeling, he executed this
task, we need not attempt to describe, and we regret that
412 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
our plan does not permit us to copy the whole address.
We can copy but a brief sketch, which will be found in
the following selected paragraphs.
" When the contest of freedom to which you had re-
paired as a voluntary champion, had closed, by the com-
plete triumph of her cause in this country of your adop-
tion, you returned to fulfil the duties of the philanthropist
and patriot in the land of. your nativity. There, in a
consistent and undeviatirig career of forty years, you
have maintained, through every vicissitude of alternate
success and disappointment, the same glorious cause to
which the first years of your active life had been de-
voted the improvement of the moral and political con-
dition of man.
" Through that long succession of time, the people of
the United States, for whom, and with whom, you had
fought the battles of liberty, have been living in full pos-
session of its fruits ; one of the happiest among the
family of nations. Spreading in population, enlarging in
territory, acting and suffering according to the condition
of their nature, and laying the foundations of the great-
est, and, we humbly hope, the most beneficent power that
ever regulated the concerns of man upon earth.
" In that lapse of forty years, the generation of men
with whom you co-operated in the conflict of arms, has
nearly passed away. Of the general officers of the Ame-
rican army in that war, you alone survive. Of the sages
who guided our councils ; of the warriors who met the
foe in the field, or upon the waves, with the exception ol
a few, to whom unusual length of days has been allotted
by heaven, all now sleep with their fathers. A succeed-
ing, and even a third generation, have arisen to take their
places ; and their children's children, while rising up to
call them blessed, have been taught by them, as well as
admonished by their own constant enjoyment of freedom,
to include, in every benison upon their fathers, the name
of him who came from afar, with them, and in their cause,
to conquer or to fall.
" You are now about to return to the country of your
birth, of your ancestors, of your posterity. The execu-
tive government of the union, stimulated by the same
THE UNITED STATES. 413
feeling which had prompted the congress to the designa-
tion of a national ship for your accommodation in coming
hither, has destined the first service of a frigate, recently
launched at this metropolis* to the less welcome, but
equally distinguished trust of conveying you home. The
name of the ship has added one more memorial to distant
regions and to future ages, of a stream already memora-
ble, at once in the story of your sufferings and of our in
dependence.
" The ship is now prepared for your reception, and
equipped for sea. From the moment of her departure,
the prayers of millions will ascend to heaven that her pas-
sage may be prosperous ; and your return to the bosom
of your family as propitious to your happiness, as your
visit to this scene of your youthful glory has been to that
of the American people.
" Go, then, our beloved friend return to the land of
brilliant genius, of generous sentiment, of heroic valour ;
to that beautiful France, the nursing mother of the twelfth
Louis, and the fourth Henry ; to the native soil of Bayard
and Coligni, of Turenne and Catinat, of Fenelon and
D'Aguesseau. In that illustrious catalogue of names
which she claims as of her children, and with honest
pride holds up to the admiration of other nations, the
name of La Fayette has already for centuries been en-
rolled. And it shall henceforth burnish into brighter
fame ; for if, in after days, a Frenchman shall be called
to indicate the character of his nation by that of one indi-
vidual, during the age in which we live, the blood of lofty
patriotism shall mantle in his cheek, the fire of conscious
virtue shall sparkle in his eye, and he shall pronounce
the name of La Fayette. Yet we, too, and our children,
in life and after death, shall claim you for our own. You
are ours by that more than patriotic self-devotion with
which you flew to the aid of our fathers at the crisis of
their fate. Ours by that long series of years in which
you have cherished us in your regard. Ours by that un-
shaken sentiment of gratitude for your services which
is a jarecious portion of our inheritance. Ours by that
tie of love stronger than death, which has linked your
name, for the endless ages of time, with the name of
Washington." 35*
414 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
To this the veteran general replied ; and, after men-
tioning his obligations to the American government and
people for their munificence and kind reception, he add-
ed, " Yet, gratification still higher awaited me ; in the
wonders of creation and improvement that have met my
enchanted eye, in the unparalleled and self- felt happiness
of the people, in their rapid prosperity and insured secu-
rity, public and private, in a practice of good order, the
appendage of true freedom, and a national good sense, the
final arbiter of all difficulties, I have had proudly to re-
cognize a result of the republican principles for which we
have fought, and a glorious demonstration to the most
timid and prejudiced minds, of the superiority, over de-
grading aristocracy or despotism, of popular institutions
founded on the plain rights of man, and where the local
rights of every section are preserved under a constitu-
tional bond of union. The cherishing of that union be-
tween the states, as it has been the farewell entreaty of
our great paternal Washington, and will ever have the
dying prayer of every American patriot, so it has become
the sacred pledge of the emancipation of the world, an
object in which I am happy to observe that the American
people, while they give the animating example of success-
ful free institutions, in return for an evil entailed upon
them by Europe, and of which a liberal and enlightened
sense is every where more and more generally felt, show
themselves every day more anxiously interested.
" God bless you, sir, and all who surround us. God
bless the American people, each of their states, and the
federal government. Accept this patriotic farewell of an
overflowing heart ; such will be its last throb when it
ceases to beat."
As the last sentence was pronounced, the general ad-
vancing, while the tears poured over his venerable cheeks,
again took the president in his arms ; he retired a few
paces, but, overcome by his feelings, again returned, and
uttering, in broken accents, " God bless you !" fell once
more on the neck of Mr. Adams. It was a scene at once
solemn and moving, as the sighs and stealing tears of
many, who witnessed it, bore testimony. Having reco-
vered his self-possession, the general stretched out his
THE UNITED STATES. 416
hands, and was, in a moment, surrounded by the greeting
of the whole assembly, who pressed upon him, each eager
to seize, perhaps for the last time, that beloved hand
which was opened so freely for our aid, when aid was so
precious, and which grasped, with firm and undeviating
hold, the steel which so bravely helped to achieve our
deliverance.
The general was attended to the Potomac, by a large
military escort, and thousands of citizens. The Mount
Vernon steam boat waited to convey him on board the a
Brandywine. When the mansion, the groves, and the
iomb of Mount Vernon, opened to view, the progress of
the little fleet was arrested it remained motionless on the
broad bosom of Potomac's wave that the last of the ge-
nerals might pay his pious homage and filial duty to the
tomb of the paternal chief.
La Fayette arose the wonders which he had performed
for a man of his age, in successfully accomplishing la-
bours enough to have tested his meridian vigour, whose
animation rather resembles the spring than the winter of
life, now seemed unequal to the task he was about to per-
form : To take a last look at the grave of Washington !
He advanced to the effort a silence the most impressive
reigned around, till the strains of sweet and plaintive mu-
sic completed the grandeur and sacred solemnity of the
scene. All hearts beat in unison with the throbbings of
the veteran's bosom as he looked, and that for the last
time, on the sepulchre which contains the ashes of the
first of men. He spoke not, but appeared absorbed in
the mighty recollections which the place and the occasion
inspired. Yet a voice seemed borne on the air. It ap-
peared to say to the manes of the illustrious dead, "WASH-
INGTON, thou friend and father of my youth, under whose
heroic banner I first gained renown in the fields of fame,
when combatting for the rights and liberties of man in
whose bosom I was cherished in the earliest, the happiest
days of life whose affections descended with me from
the palace to the dungeon whose arms were opened to
receive my child, when forlorn and a wanderer from his
native land, he sought in thee a friend and found a father
most truly great and glorious of men, while such an
416 UNIVERSAL in.STGRY OF
humble mound alone contains thy ashes, thy monument
is based on a hemisphere, and thy fame will cenotaph thy
memory in ages yet unborn. Accept the last duty which
filial homage pays to the tomb of Washington in the tear
of La Fayette."
We make no apology for the insertion of these interest-
ing particulars. But we regret sincerely that the whole
of the address and reply cannot find room, and if our
readers have feeling, they will regret it too.
The first session of the nineteenth congress opened at
Washington in December, 1825. The message of the
Executive, after adverting to the state of peace which
had for several years blessed the world, says During the
same period, our intercourse with all those nations has
been pacific and friendly it so continues. Since the
close of your last session, no material variation has oc-
curred in our relations with any one of them. In the
commercial and navigation system of Great Britain, im-
portant changes of municipal regulation have recently
been sanctioned by acts of parliament, the effect of which,
upon the interests of other nations, and particularly upon
ours, has not yet been fully developed. In the recent re-
newal of the diplomatic missions on both sides, between
the two governments, assurances have been given and
received, of the continuance and increase of that mutual
confidence and cordiality by which the adjustment of
many points of difference had already been effected, and
which affords the surest pledge for the ultimate satisfactory
adjustment of those which still remain open, or may here-
after arise.
He then notices the commission for settling the seventh
article of the treaty of Ghent, and that respecting the in-
demnity for slaves taken off by the British during the late
war, as in a train of amicable adjustment. He also ad-
verts to the importance of establishing a national system
of bankruptcy, and of improvements in the militia sys-
tem. In noticing the pecuniary concerns of the nation,
the message says Among the unequivocal indications of
our national prosperity, is the flourishing state of our
finances. The revenues of the present year, from all
their principal sources, will exceed the anticipations of
the last.
THE UNITED STATES. 417
The balance in the treasury, on the first of January
last, was a little short of two millions of dollars, exclu-
sive of two millions and a half, being the moiety of the
loan of five millions, authorized by the act of 26th May,
1824. The receipts into the treasury, from the 1st of
January to the 30th of September, exclusive of the other
moiety of the same loans? are estimated at sixteen mil-
lions five hundred thousand dollars ; and it is expected
that those of the current quarter will exceed five millions
of dollars, forming an aggregate of receipts of nearly
twenty-two millions, independent of the loan. The ex-
penditures of the year will not exceed that sum more than
two millions. By those expenditures, nearly eight mil-
lions of the principal of the public debt have been dis-
charged.
More than a million and a half has been devoted to the
debt of gratitude to the warriors of the revolution ; a
nearly equal sum to the construction of fortifications,
and the acquisition of ordnance, and other permanent
preparatives of national defence; half a million to the
gradual increase of the navy ; an equal sum for purchases
of territory from the Indians, and payment of annuities
to them : and upwards of a million for objects of internal
improvement, authorized by special acts of the last con-
gress. If we add to these four millions of dollars for
payment of interest upon the public debt, there remains
a sum of about seven millions, which has defrayed the
whole expense of the administration of government, in
its legislative, executive, and judiciary departments, inclu-
ding the support of the military and naval establishments,
and all the occasional contingencies of a government co-
extensive with the union.
The amount of duties secured on merchandise import-
ed, from the commencement of the year, is about twenty-
five millions and a half; and that which will accrue, du-
ring the current quarter, is estimated at five millions and
a half; from these thirty-one millions, deducting the draw-
backs, estimated at less than seven millions, a sum ex-
ceeding twenty-four millions will constitute the revenue
of the year, and will exceed the whole expenditures of
the year. The entire amount of public debt remaining
418 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
due on the 1st of January next, will be short of eighty-
one millions of dollars.
Speaking of our situation as regards the aborigines, he
thus speaks : Our relations with the numerous tribes of
aboriginal natives of this country, scattered over its ex-
tensive surface, and so dependent, even for their exist-
ence, upon our power, have been, during the present year,
highly interesting. An act of congress, of 25th May,
1824, made an appropriation to defray the expenses of
making treaties of trade and friendship with the Indian
tribes beyond the Mississippi. An act of 3d March, 1825,
authorized treaties to be made with the Indians, for their
consent to the making of a road from the frontiers of
Missouri to that of New-Mexico.
And another act of the same date, provided for defray-
ing the expenses of holding treaties with the Sioux, Chip-
pewas, Menomenees, Sauks, Foxes, &c. for the purpose
of establishing boundaries and promoting peace between
said tribes. The first and the last objects of these acts
have been accomplished, and the second is yet in a pro-
cess of execution. The treaties which, since the last ses-
sion of congress, have been concluded with the several
tribes, will be laid before the senate for their considera-
tion, conformably to the constitution. They comprise
large and valuable acquisitions of territory; and they se-
cure an adjustment of boundaries, and give pledges of
permanent peace between several tribes which had been
long waging bloody wars against each other.
On the 12th of February last, a treaty was signed at
the Indian Springs, between commissioners appointed on
the part of the United States, and certain chiefs and in-
dividuals of the Creek nation of Indians, which was re-
ceived at the seat of government only a few days before
the close of the last session of congress, and of the late
administration. The advice and consent of the senate
was given to it, on the 3d of March, too late for it to re-
ceive the ratification of the then President of the United
States; it was ratified on the 7th of March, under the un-
suspecting impression that it had been negotiated in good
faith, and in the confidence inspired by the recommenda-
tion of the senate. The subsequent transactions in rela-
THE UNITED STATES. 419
tion to this treaty, will form the subject of a separate
message.
But our circumscribed limits prevent us from touching,
with any thing like justice, on this able state paper. We
can only say, that nothing seems to have escaped his ca-
pacious mind, of very general and national importance.
By the report of the treasurer this session, it appears
he had a balance of more than five millions in his hands.
During this session a question was agitated relating to the
holding of any office under the government of the United
States, by a senator or representative to congress. Mr.
Benton, from the selected committee, reported
That, having had recourse to the history of the times,
in which the constitution was formed, the committee find,
that the proposition now referred to them had engaged
the deliberations of the federal convention which framed
the constitution, and of several of the state conventions
which ratified it.
In an early stage of the session of the federal conven-
tion, it was resolved as follows :
"'Art. 6. sec. 9. The members of each house (of con-
gress) shall be ineligible to, and incapable of holding any
office under the authority of the United States, during the
time for which they shall respectively be elected ; and the
members of the senate shall be ineligible to, and incapa-
ble of, holding any such office for one year afterwards."
(Journal of the Federal Convention, page 219.)
It further appears from the journal, that this clause in
the first draft of the constitution, was adopted with great
unanimity, and that afterwards, in the concluding days of
the session, it was altered, and its intention defeated, by a
majority of a single vote, in the absence of one of the
states by which it had been supported.
Following the constitution into the state conventions
which ratified it, the committee find, that, by the New-
York convention, it was recommended, as follows :
" That no senator or representative shall, during the
time for which he was elected, be appointed to any office
under the authority of the United States."
By the Virginia convention, as follows :
" That the members of the senate and house of repre-
420 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
sentatives shall be ineligible to, and incapable of, hold-
ing any civil office under the authority of the United
States, during the term for which they shall respectively
be elected."
By the North Carolina convention the same amendment
was recommended, in the same words.
In the first session of the first congress, which was held
under the constitution, a member of the house of repre-
sentatives submitted a similar proposition of amendment ;
and, in the third session of the eleventh congress, James
Madison being president, a like proposition was again sub-
mitted, and being referred to a committee of the house,
was reported by them in the following words :
" No senator or representative shall be appointed to
any civil office, place, or emolument, under the authority
of the United States, until the expiration of the presiden-
tial term in which such person shall have served as a se-
nator or representative."
Upon the question to adopt this resolution, the vote
stood 71 yeas, 40 nays, wanting but three votes of the
constitutional number for the referring it to the decision
of the states.
Having thus shown, by a reference to the venerable
evidence of our early history, that the principle of the
amendment now under consideration, has had the support
and approbation of the first friends of the constitution,
the committee will now declare their own opinion iii
favour of its correctness, and express its belief that the
ruling principle in the organization of the federal govern-
ment demands its adoption.
That ruling principle demands that the three great
branches of the federal government, the executive, legis-
lative and judiciary, should be separate and distinct from
each other, not only in contemplation of law, but in point
of fact ; and, for this end, that each should not only have
its independent organization, but that the individuals ad-
ministering each, should be wholly free from the control
and influence of the individuals who administered the
others.
To secure this independence on the part of the presi-
dent, and to prevent the executive from starving him into
THE UNITED STATES. 421
a compliance with their will, by withholding his necessa-
ry support, or seducing him into an acquiescence in their
views, by tempting his avarice with an augmented salary,
(Fed. No. 77.) it is provided in the constitution, that he
shall receive a fixed compensation for his services, which
shall neither be increased nor diminished during the term
for which he was elected.
To secure the independence of the legislative depart-
ment, and to prevent the executive from influencing its
deliberations, by retaining a set of dependants in the se-
nate and house of representatives, always ready, like the
placemen in the British parliament, to support the mea-
sures of administration, it was provided, in the same con-
stitution, that persons holding offices under the authority
of the United States, should be wholly excluded from the
floor of congress.
The committee believe that this provision for the inde-
pendence of the senate and house of representatives,
though wise and proper as far as it goes, does not go far
enough to accomplish the object it had in view. They
admit that the presence of office holders in the legislative
department, would be the bane of honest and independent
legislation ; and they believe that the presence of office
hunters would be equally fatal. The danger to be appre-
hended from each, is, in effect, the same. The office
holder would support the measures of administration, for
the purpose of saving the office which he had in posses-
sion ; the office hunter would support the same measures
for the purpose of securing the office which he had in ex-
pectation.
By either party, the interest of the country would be
sacrificed to the views of the executive ; and the appro-
priate means for preventing this mischief, was first to ex-
clude office holders from seats in congress, and this the
constitution has done ; and, secondly, to prevent'senators
and representatives from taking appointments from the
president, under whose administration they had served ;
and this it has omitted to do. The omission was too ma-
terial to escape the observation of those who were not
blind to the defects of the constitution ; and their ani-
madversions were too loud and vehement to pass unno-
36
422 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
ticed by the great advocates for the ratification of that
instrument. The authors of the Federalist, in their No.
55. felt it to be their duty to meet the objection which
grew out of this omission. But even these great men,
with their superior abilities, and ardent zeal in the best of
causes, could do no more than to diminish the quantum
of a danger which could not be denied to exist, and to
cover, with a brilliant declamation, a part of their be-
loved constitution which could not be defended. They
said :
" Sometimes we are told, that this fund of corruption,
(executive appointments,) is to be exhausted by the Presi-
dent in subduing the virtue of the senate. Now, the fide-
lity of the other house is to be the victim. The impro-
bability of such a mercenary and perfidious combination
of the several members of the government, standing on
as different foundations as its republican principles will
well admit, and at the same time accountable to the so-
ciety over which they are placed, ought alone to quiet
this apprehension. But, fortunately, the constitution has
provided a still further safeguard. The members of the
congress are rendered ineligible to any civil offices that
may be created, or of which the emoluments may be in-
creased, during the term of their election. No offices,
therefore, can be dealt out to the existing members, but
such as may become vacant by ordinary casualties ; and
to suppose that these would be sufficient to purchase the
guardians of the people, selected by the people them-
selves, is to renounce every rule by which events ought
to be calculated, and to substitute an indiscriminate and
unbounded jealousy, with which all reasoning must be
vain."
They doubted the validity of these arguments, and con-
cluded the report as follows : Considering all which, the
committee have come to the unanimous resolution to sub-
mit to the senate a proposition of amendment to the con-
stitution of the United States, embracing the principle of
this report.
Resolved, by the senate and house of representatives
of the United States of America in congress assembled,
two thirds of both houses concurring, that the follow-
THE UNITED STATES. 423
ing amendment to the constitution of the United States
be proposed to the legislatures of the several states ;
which, when ratified by three fourths of said legislatures,
shall be valid, to all intents and purposes, as part of said
constitution :
No senator or representative shall be appointed to any
civil office, place or emolument, under the authority of the
United States, until the expiration of the presidential term
in which such person shall have served as a senator or a
representative.
During the session, and on the fourth of July, just half
a century from the time when Adams and Jefferson signed
the Declaration of Independence, they both departed this
life, within a few hours of each other. They had both
been presidents of the United States, and both vice presi-
dents. This is certainly an extraordinary coincidence,
and worthy to be perpetuated in the archives of the na-
tion. Nor is it a little remarkable, that on this day,
after its observance by the national legislature, certain
members of congress addressed the legislature on the pe-
cuniary embarrassments of Mr. Jefferson, with a view to
his relief. The following extracts, we believe, will be ac-
ceptable.
If I am asked why Jefferson is singled out amid his
compatriots my answer is, he stands pre-eminent alike
for his services and his misfortunes. God forbid that I
should diminish the just claims of that illustrious band,
who, guided by the polarity of their superior genius, and
by a courage that was above circumstances, to whom the
blessing of Providence became a pillar of light by
which we were conducted through the wilderness of the
land of promise. But as one star differeth from another
star in glory, so also is the lot of man. It was his good
fortune to occupy the front rank among the illustrious.
He is one of three survivors, signers of the Declaration
of Independence. His associates are comfortable, and
need no aid.
If it be inquired how it has happened that he has be-
come impoverished 1 I answer, the delicacy of the subject
forbids the inquiry. I may ask, however, what public
institution is there in the United States that has not pro-
424 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
fited of his bounty ? What son or daughter of affliction
who has asked for aid, that has not received his charity ?
What nation, tongue, or kindred, that has not shared his
hospitality? His fame had gone abroad in the earth.
He was justly esteemed a distinguished benefactor of man-
kind. He was resorted to as an oracle, that they might
hear with their own ears, from his own lips, the sublime
and the eternal truths of religious liberty. His doors
were open to all. His responses were withheld from
none. The sequel was inevitable a loss of his pro-
perty. He disinterestedly sacrificed his independence
on the altar of all the virtues. The character of his coun-
try was ennobled by the sacrifice. It will be still further
ennobled by its being replaced by the generosity of his
countrymen.
The second session of the nineteenth congress com-
menced on the fourth day of December, 1826. The
president's message, after noticing the unfinished and un-
touched subjects of his former message, notices the de-
cease of Alexander of Russia, our commerce with France,
and a ratified treaty with Denmark, says : " With Prus-
sia, Spain, Portugal, and in general all the European
powers, between whom and the United States, relations
of friendly intercourse have existed, their condition has
not materially varied since the last session of congress. I
regret not to be able to say the same of our commercial
intercourse with the colonial possessions of Great Britain
in America.
Negotiations of the highest importance to our common
interests have been for several years in discussion between
the two governments, and on the part of the United States
have been invariably pursued in the spirit of candour and
conciliation. Interests of great magnitude and delicacy
have been adjusted by the conventions of 1815 and 1818,
while that of 1822, mediated by the late Emperor Alex-
ander, had promised a satisfactory compromise of claims
which the government of the United States, in justice to
the rights of a numerous class of their citizens, was bound
to sustain. But, with regard to the commercial inter-
course between the United States and the British colonies
in America, it has been hitherto found impracticable to
THE UNITED STATES. 425
bring the parties to an understanding satisfactory to both.
The relative geographical position, and the respective
products of nature cultivated by human industry, had
constituted the elements of a commercial intercourse be-
tween the United States and British America, insular and
continental, important to the inhabitants of both coun-
tries.
But it had been interdicted by Great Britain upon a
principle heretofore practised by the colonizing nations of
Europe, of holding the trade of their colonies* each in
exclusive monopoly to herself. After the termination of
the late war* this interdiction had been revived, and the
British government declined including this portion of our
intercourse with her possessions, in the negotiation of the
convention of 1815. The trade was then carried on ex-
clusively in British vessels, till the act of congress con-
cerning navigation, of 1818, and the supplemental act of
1820, met the interdict by a corresponding measure on
the part of the United States. These measures, not of
retaliation, but of necessary self-defence, were soon suc-
ceeded by an act of parliament, opening certain colonial
ports to the vessels of the United States, coming dirertly
from them, and to the importation from them of certain
articles of our produce, burdened with heavy duties, and
excluding some of the most valuable articles of our ex-
ports.
The United States opened their ports to British vessels
from the colonies, upon terms as exactly corresponding
with those of the act of parliament, as in the relative
condition of the parties could be made. And a negotia-
tion was commenced by mutual consent, with the hope;
on our part, that a reciprocal spirit of accommodation,
and a common sentiment of the importance of the trade
to the interests of the inhabitants of the two countries
between whom it must be carried on, would ultimately
bring the parties to a compromise, with which both might
be satisfied. With this view the government of the Uni-
ted States had determined to sacrifice something of that
entire reciprocity, which, in all commercial arrangements
with foreign power?, they are entitled to demand, and to
acquiesce in some inequalities disadvantageous to our-
36*
426 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
selves, rather than to forego the benefit of a final and
permanent adjustment of this interest, to the satisfaction
of Great Britain herself.
The negotiation, repeatedly suspended by accidental
circumstances, was, however, by mutual agreement, and
express assent, considered as pending, and to be speedily
resumed. In the mean time, another act of parliament,
so doubtful and ambiguous in its import, as to have been
misunderstood by the officers in the colonies who were to
carry it into execution, opens again certain colonial ports,
upon new conditions and terms, with a threat to close
them against any nation which may not accept those
terms as prescribed by the British government.
This act passed in July, 1825, not communicated to the
government of the United States, not understood by the
British rfficers of the customs in the colonies where it
was to be enforced, was, nevertheless, submitted to the
consideration of congress at their last session. With the
knowledge that a negotiation upon the subject had long
been in progress, and pledges given of its resumption at
an early day, it was deemed expedient to await the result
of that negotiation, rather than to subscribe implicitly to
terms, the import of which was not clear, and which the
British authorities themselves, in this hemisphere, were
not prepared to explain.
He closes the subject of British difficulties, by trusting
that the misunderstanding noticed would not have an un-
propitious effect on other subjects connected with our
mutual relations.
He then alludes to the Panama mission, and presses the
opinion that we ought to be there represented.
Of our fiscal concerns, and the contemplated reduction
of the public debt, he speaks in favourable terms. Of
the military and naval departments he speaks in a favour-
able manner, and extols the management of the post office
department.
The conclusion is as follows :
In closing this communication, I trust it will not be
deemed inappropriate to the occasion and purposes upon
which we are here assembled, to indulge a momentary re-
trospect, combining, in a single glance, the period of our
THE UNITED STATES. 427
origin as a national confederation with that of our present
existence, at the precise interval of half a century from
each other. Since your last meeting at this place, the
fiftieth anniversary of the day when our independence
was declared, has been celebrated throughout our land,
and on that day, when every heart was bounding with joy,
and every voice was tuned to gratulation, amid the bless-
ings of freedom and independence, which the sires of a
former age had handed down to their children, two of
the principal actors in that solemn scene, the hand that
penned the ever memorable declaration, and the voice
that sustained it in debate, were, by the summons, at the
distance of seven hundred miles from each other, called
before the Judge of all, to account for their deeds done
upon earth.
They departed, cheered by the benedictions of their
country, to whom they left the inheritance of their fame,
and the memory of their bright example. If we turn
our thoughts to the condition of their country, in the
contrast of the first and last day of that century, how re-
splendent and sublime is the transition from gloom to
glory ! Then glancing through the same lapse of time,
in the condition of the individuals, we see the first day
marked with the fulness and vigour of youth, in the pledge
of their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honour, to
ihe cause of freedom and of mankind. And on the last,
extended on the bed of death, with but sense and sensibi-
lity left to breathe a last aspiration to Heaven, of bless-
ing upon their country ; may we not humbly hope that
to them too, it was a pledge of transition from gloom to
glory ; and that while their mortal vestments were sink-
ing into the clod of the valley, their emancipated spirits
Were ascending to the bosom of their God !
During the session, a number of interesting report?
were made from the different departments, and a number
of valuable documents presented. The famous treaty
with M'Intosh, and other Creek chiefs, was put under
examination, and condemned.
This treaty, it may be recollected, was made by M'In-
tosh in a clandestine manner, for which he subsequently
suffered death. Circumstances and clear testimony were
428 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
adduced, to show that this was the state of the treaty ;
and it was no longer considered obligatory on either the
United States or the Creek nation. To show the spirit
of hostility manifested by the executive of Georgia, no-
thing more is necessary than to copy the two following
orders. It is only necessary to state, that Georgia had
long coveted the Creek lands, and by collusion with some
chiefs, determined to possess them even at the point of
the bayonet, and the destruction of the aborigines. We
rejoice that the general government stopped the torrent of
usurpation, and exhibited the features of firmness, jus'-
tice, and generosity.
Executive Department, Geo. Milledgcvittc, Feb. 17, 1827.
Ordered, That the attorney and solicitors general of
this state, in every instance of complaint made of the
arrest of any surveyor engaged in the survey of the late
acquired territory, by any civil process under the autho-
rity of the government of the United States, do take all
necessary and legal measures to effect the liberation of
the person so arrested, and to bring to justice, either by
indictment or otherwise, the officers or parties concerned
in such an arrest, as offenders against the laws, and viola-
ters of the peace and personal security of the public offi-
cers and citizens of this state. That they give profes-
sional advice and assistance in their defence against any
prosecution or action which may be instituted against them
as officers in the service of the state, and that they prompt
ly make known to this department their acts and doings
in the premises. It is moreover enjoined on the civil ma-
gistrates of this state, having competent jurisdiction of
the same, to be acting and assisting in inquiring into the
cause of every such arrest or detention as aforesaid, that
the person may be discharged forthwith, if illegally or un-
justly detained, and in affording such redress to the ag
grieved or injured party, as by law he may be entitled to
receive.
By the governor, E. H. PIERCE, Sec'ry.
THE UNITED STATES. 429
Head quarters, Milledgeville, 17th Feb. 1827.
ORDERS.
The major generals commanding the 6th and 7th divi-
sions, will immediately issue orders to hold in readiness
the several regiments and battalions within their respect-
ive commands, to repel any hostile invasion of the territory
of this state. Depots of arms and ammunition central to
each division will be established in due time.
By the commander in chief,
JOHN W. A. SANDFORD, Aid-de-Camp.
This congress closed its session on the third of March,
and the twentieth congress opened its sittings on the third
of December, 1827.
On the fourth, the message of the president was re-
ceived and read in both houses. After giving a general,
but concise and elevating view of our situation as a peo-
ple, he thus speaks of our foreign concerns : Our rela-
tions of friendship with the other nations of the earth,
political and commercial, have been preserved unimpaired,
and the opportunities to improve them have been culti-
vated with anxious and unremitting attention. A nego-
tiation upon subjects of high and delicate interest, with
the government of Great Britain, has terminated in the
adjustment of some of the questions at issue upon satisfac-
tory terms, and the postponement of others for future dis-
cussion and agreement.
The purposes of the convention concluded at St. Pe-
tersburg, on the 12th day of July, 1822, under the media-
tion of the late Emperor Alexander, have been carried
into effect by a subsequent convention, concluded at Lon-
don on the J3th of November, 1826, the ratifications of
which were exchanged at that place on the 6th day of
February last. A copy of the proclamation issued on
the nineteenth day of March last, publishing this conven-
tion, is herewith communicated to congress. The sum
of twelve hundred and four thousand nine hundred and
sixty dollars, therein stipulated to be paid to the claimants
of indemnity under the first article of the treaty of Ghent,
has been duly received, and the commission instituted,
430 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
conformably to the act of congress of the second of March
last, for the distribution of the indemnity to the persons
entitled to receive it, are now in session, and approaching
the consummation of their labours.
This final disposal of one of the most painful topics of
collision between the United States and Great Britain, not
only affords an occasion of gratulation to ourselves, but
has had the happiest effect in promoting a friendly dis-
position, and in softening asperities upon other objects of
discussion. Nor ought it to pass without the tribute of a
frank and cordial acknowledgment of the magnanimity
with which an honourable nation, by the reparation of
their own wrongs, achieves a triumph more glorious than
any field of blood can ever bestow.
The conventions of 3d July, 1815, and of 20th Octo-
ber, 1818, will expire, by their own limitation, on the
20th October, 1828. These have regulated the direct
commercial intercourse between the United States and
Great Britain, upon terms of the most perfect recipro-
city; and they effected a temporary compromise of the
respective rights and claims to territory westward of the
Rocky Mountains. These arrangements have been con-
tinued for an indefinite period of time, after the expira-
tion of the above mentioned conventions ; leaving each
party the liberty of terminating them, by giving twelve
months notice to the other. The radical principle of all
commercial intercourse between independent nations, is
the mutual interest of both parties. It is the vital spirit
of trade itself; nor can it be reconciled to the nature of
man, or to the primary laws of human society, that any
traffic should long be willingly pursued, of which all the
advantages are on one side, and all the burdens on the
other.
Treaties of commerce have been found, by experience,
to be among the most effective instruments for promot-
ing peace and harmony between nations whose interests,
exclusively considered on either side, are brought into
frequent collisions by competition. In framing such trea-
ties, it is the duty of each party not simply to urge with
unyielding pertinacity that which suits its own interest.
but to concede liberally to that which is adapted to the
THE UNITED STATES. 431
interest of the other. To accomplish this, little more is
generally required than a simple observance of the rule
of reciprocity; and were it possible for the statesmen of
one nation, by stratagem and management, to obtain from
the weakness or ignorance of another, an over-reaching
treaty, such a compact would prove an incentive to war,
rather than a bond of peace. Our conventions with
Great Britain are founded upon the principles of recipro-
city.
The commercial intercourse between the two countries
is greater in magnitude and amount, than between any
two other nations on the globe. It is, for all purposes of
benefit or advantage, to both, as precious, and, in all pro-
bability, far more extensive, than if the parties were still
constituent parts of one and the same nation. Treaties
between such states, regulating the intercourse of peace
between them, and adjusting interests of such transcend-
ant importance to both, which have been found, in a long
experience of years, mutually advantageous, should not
be lightly cancelled or discontinued. Two conventions,
for continuing in force those above mentioned, have been
concluded between the plenipotentiaries of the two go-
vernments, on the 6th of August last, and will be forth-
with laid before the senate for the exercise of their con-
stitutional authority concerning them.
'He then alludes to the execution of the treaties of 1782,
and 1783, respecting the boundary line of the Union,
showing that difficulties had arisen respecting their adjust-
ment. Commissioners had been appointed by both par-
ties, to settle these questions, but the object had not been
fully accomplished, and a convention of September, 1826,
was intended for reference to the senate. He then notices
a communication irom the governor of Maine, touching
the difficulties respecting territorial jurisdiction, which
had occurred in the vicinity of that state, and concludes
the subject by stating that he had taken measures to ob-
tain the best information of facts in the case, which should
be communicated when received. He ajsu reverts to the
difficulties and embarrassments arising from the British
colonial regulations, which he states as not y&t appro*,'
raating to a friendly understanding.
432 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
In speaking of France, he states, that our commerce
with that people is increasing, while it is a source of re-
gret, that our demands on that government for spolia-
tions, remain unsettled. With the kingdom of Sweden
a new treaty had been concluded, and a minister pleni-
potentiary from the Hansealic towns received. With
Russia we are at peace, and the good understanding
which subsisted with Alexander, has not been interrupt-
ed by the succession of his brother Nicholas to the
empire.
Of the Greeks he speaks most feelingly, and notices
the letter of thanks from the president of that country,
which was to be translated, and placed before congress.
Alluding to our southern neighbours, he says : " In the
American hemisphere the cause of freedom and inde-
pendence has continued to prevail ; and if signalized by
none of those splendid triumphs which had crowned with
glory some of the preceding years, it has only been from
the banishment of all external force against which the
struggle had been maintained. The shout of victory has
been superseded by the expulsion of the enemy over
whom it could have been achieved. Our friendly wishes,
and cordial good will, which have constantly followed
the southern nations of America in all the vicissitudes 01
their war of independence, are succeeded by a solicitude,
equally ardent and cordial, that by the wisdom and purity
of their institutions, they may secure to themselves the
choicest blessings of social order, and the best rewards of
virtuous liberty .
The message then aiiuues to our remaining difficulties
with Brazil, which he had taken measures to settle, and
finally returns to the more grateful subjects of our inter-
nal concerns uiua :
" Turning from the momentous concerns of our union,
in its intercourse with foreign nations, to those of the
deepest interest in the administration of our internal
affairs, we find the revenues of the present year corres-
ponding, as nearly as might be expected, to the anticipa-
tions of the last, and presenting an aspect still more fa-
vourable in the promise of the next. The balance in the
treasury, on the first of January last, was six millions
THE UNITED STATES. . 433
three hundred and fifty-eight thousand six hundred and
eighty-six dollars and eighteen cents. The receipts from
that day to the 30th of September last, as near as the re-
turns of them yet received can show, amount to sixteen
millions eight hundred and eighty-six thousand five hun-
dred and eighty-one dollars and thirty-two cents. The
receipts of the present quarter, estimated at four mil-
lions five hundred and fifteen thousand, added to the
above, form an aggregate of twenty-one millions four hun-
dred thousand dollars of receipts. The expenditures of
the year may perhaps amount to twenty-two millions
three hundred thousand dollars, presenting a small ex-
cess over the receipts. But of these twenty-two mil-
lions, upwards of six have been applied to the discharge
of the principal of the public debt ; the whole amount of
which, approaching seventy-four millions on the first of
January last, will, on the first day of next year, fall short
of sixty-seven millions and a half. The balance in the
treasury, on the first of January next, it is expected, will
exceed five millions four hundred and fifty thousand dol-
lars, a sum exceeding that of the first of January, 1825,
though falling short of that exhibited on the first of Ja-
nuary last.
" It was foreseen that the revenue of the present year
would not equal that of the last, which had itself been
less than that of the next preceding year. But the hope
has been realized which was entertained, that these defi-
ciencies would in no wise interrupt the steady operation
of the discharge of the public debt, by the annual ten
millions devoted to that object, by the act of 3d March,
1817.
" The amount of duties secured on merchandise, im-
ported from the commencement of the year, until the
30th of September last, is twenty-one millions two rtun-
dred and twenty-six thousand ; and the probable amount
of that which will be secured during the remainder of the
year, is five millions seven hundred and seventy-four
thousand dollars ; forming a sum total of twenty-seven
millions. With the allowances for drawbacks and con-
tingent deficiencies which may occur, though not speci
fically foreseen, we may safely estimate the receipts of
37
434 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
the ensuing year at twenty-two millions three hundred
thousand dollars ; a revenue for the next, equal to the ex-
penditure of the present year.
"The deep solicitude felt by our citizens of all classes
throughout the union for the total discharge of the public
debt, will apologize for the earnestness with which I deem
it my duty to urge this topic upon the consideration of
congress of recommending to them again the observ-
ance of the strictest economy in the application of the
public funds. The depression upon the receipts of the
revenue, which had commenced with the year 1826, con-
tinued with increased severity during the two first quar-
ters of the present year. The returning tide began to
flow with the third quarter, and, so far as we can judge
from experience, may be expected to continue through
the course of the ensuing year. In the meantime, an al-
leviation from the burden of the public debt will, in the
three years, have been effected, to the amount of nearly
sixteen millions, arid the charge of annual interest will
have been reduced upwards of one million.
" But among the maxims of political economy which
the stewards of the public moneys should never suffer
without urgent necessity, to be transcended, is that of
keeping the expenditures of the year within the limits oi
its receipts. The appropriations of the two last years,
including the yearly ten millions of the sinking fund,
have each equalled the promised revenue of the ensuing
year. While we foresee with confidence that the public
coffers will be replenished from the receipts, as fast as
they will be drained by the expenditures, equal in amount
to those of the current year, it should not be forgotten
that they could ill suffer the exhaustion of larger disburse-
ments."
After noticing the measures lafcen with a view to in-
ternal improvements, he mentions the report from the
post office department, as very satisfactory and encoura-
ging, and closes by recommending the subject of pen-
sions to our remaining revolutionary officers and soldiers,
as a debt of justice, ither than one of gratitude.
The report of the treasurer states, that more than six
millions and a quarter, by estimation, would be in his
THE UNITED STATES. 435
hands on the first of January, and recommends an addi-
tion to the tariff of 1824. The article of domestic manu-
factures, are estimated at more than seven millions, ex-
ported. Other exports at about eighty millions. He
states that many articles of home manufacture had be-
come cheaper, more abundant, and of superior quality,
since the adoption of the tariff, than before, and presses
on the country the importance of increasing the tariff,
particularly on wool, and woollen goods, fine cotton
goods, bar iron and hemp. It is not possible, however,
in this condensed sketch, to give an outline of this valua-
ble report.
Early in the session steps were taken to ascertain the
importance of revising thoroughly the tariff system of
18*24. A committee was appointed, clothed with ample
powers to investigate the subject. This report was made
in February, from which we shall give a few extracts.
After stating the many obstacles necessary to be over-
come, and the labours to which they were subject, the
committee proceeds : This labour being performed, the
committee at once began their examinations of such wit-
nesses, members of the house, and others, as were within
their reach, and believed to be possessed of valuable and
practical information upon any of the subjects before them.
The examination of these witnesses was not completed
when the arrival of some attending under summonses
was announced.
An application was then immediately made to the house
for leave to sit during the hours of session of the house ;
and nearly every day since that leave was granted, has
been entirely occupied, to the almost total neglect of other
public and private duties, in the laborious examination of
witnesses, pursuant to the resolution under which the
committee were acting It is but justice here to remark,
that the original expectation of the committee, under the
resolution offered by them to the house, was to have made
an expeditious inquiry into the situation of one or two
manufacturing interests, rather to enable them to deter-
mine what further protection these interests really re-
u uired, than with the expectation, within the limited time
which they had allowed to themselves for the purpose of
436 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
being able to collect and report to the house, a body ol
evidence upon several important branches of our domes-
tic manufactures, so digested and arranged as to be of any
essential service to the house, or to the public, as a source
of correct information upon these complicated subjects.
The amendment, however, which was made to the re-
solution by the house, so as to give the committee the au-
thority " to send for, and examine persons upon oath, in
relation to the present condition of our manufactures, and
to report the minutes of such examination to this house,"
it will readily be seen, added greatly to the labour which
the committee had proposed for themselves ; as, by that
amendment, it was made the duty of the committee,
should they think proper to examine witnesses, to take
their testimony in detail, and in such order as to render it
at least passably intelligible to the house. This additional
labour was in no other way exceptionable to the commit-
tee, than as it rendered somewhat doubtful their ability
to give their report to the house within the time which
they had signified that it would be received. But, even
under this apprehension, so desirous were the committee
of a full developement of the facts, that the amended re-
solution met their approbation; and they entered upon
their duties, determined, if possible, to realize the expec-
tations of the house, so far, at least, as regarded a report
within the time they had indicated.
They have examined a little short of thirty witnesses,
and the testimony of each, hastily written out by way of
question and answer, and annexed to this report, will
show what facts have been collected by the examination,
as well as the extent of the labour which the committee
have performed. The testimony of each witness, after it
was taken, had been carefully read over with him, and so
corrected as to meet the full assent of the witness to its
accuracy*
The leading subjects presented to the committee for
additional protection, are iron, and several manufactures
of it, wool, and its fabrics, hemp, and some of the manu-
factures from it, flax, and its manufactures, and domestic
distilled spirits from grain, particular descriptions of
glass, and fine and printed cottons. Upon all these sub-
jects witnesses have been examined, and their testimony,
THE UNITED STATES. 437
herewith reported, comprises the evidence, upon each
subject, which the committee have taken under the reso-
lution of the house, and embodies most of the information
upon which they have acted in determining the features
of the bill which they have agreed upon.
The first subject which will be found in the bill, is
that of iron, and considering the importance of the ar-
ticle, as one of both national and individual necessity, the
changes in the present rates of duty are comparatively
very light.
The next subject in order is that of wool and wool-
lens. To these subjects the greater part of the testimony
of the witnesses has been directed, and the committee
have used every effort in their power to obtain precise
information as to the facts as they do actually exist in re-
lation to the interests both of the wool grower and the
manufacturer of wool. The real importance of these sub-
jects to those sections of the country where wool is grown,
and in which the manufactories are located, the feeling
which has for some time agitated the public mind through-
out the whole country, in relation, on the one' side, to
the necessity of further protection to them, and on the
other side, to the injurious effects which such a measure
would have upon the purchasers of woollen fabrics, have
all conspired to induce this exertion on the part of th
committee.
They have therefore made the examinations of the wit-
nesses, upon those subjects, as minute as possible, and,
perhaps, in some instances, they may appear tediously so.
Indeed, many of the questions put to the witnesses, will
afford abundant evidence that the committee had not
sufficient practical knowledge upon the subjects before
them, to enable them to make a series of interrogations
the answers to which would place the testimony taken in
the clearest light. And when the members of the house
shall have examined the evidence relating to the manufac-
ture of woollen goods, the committee cannot doubt they
will be entirely convinced that none but a person inti-
mately acquainted with the various operations, could have
drawn out a series of questions upon the subject, suscepti-
ble of clear and intelligible answers.
37*
438 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
The time of the committee did not authorize even an
attempt to do this, and, therefore, the examinations, and
particularly of some of the witnesses first examined, will
appear as they were really taken the one answer, in
many, if not in most instances, suggesting the subsequent
question. It will also be found, upon an examination of
the testimony, that the manufacture of woollens is hardly
susceptible of being reduced within the limits of exact
mathematical calculation, so as to enable the committee
to arrive, with this kind of certainty, at the amount of
duty which will furnish full protection, and at the same
time, will not go beyond that point. Certain positions,
however, they believe to be proved by the evidence they
have taken, which furnish great assistance in approaching
to correct conclusions.
From all which the committee could gather on the
subject, they think the following positions may be fairly
stated :
1st. That the manufacture of woollen goods in this
country, is, at this time, a business labouring under severe
depressions, and attended with loss more severe upon the
finer qualities.
2d. That these depressions are owing, in a very great
degree, to the excessive and irregular importations of
foreign woollen goods into our markets : thus causing a
fluctuation in, and an uncertainty of price for those goods,
more injurious to the American manufacturer than even
the depression of price which these importations produce.
3d. That the differences between the prices cf vv r ool,
of the same quality, in this country and in England, is at
the present time about fifty per cent, in favour of the lat-
ter country.
4th. That the cost of raw wool in this country is about
one half of the cost of the fabric, when prepared for the
market, as a general rule applying to most kinds of
cloths.
5th. That if the cost of the wool and the cost of the
foreign materials used for dying, were the same in both
countries, the process of manufacturing the wool into cloth,
fitted for the market, can be performed as cheap in this
country as it can in England.
THE UTttTED STATES. 439
6th. That the present duty on woollen goods does not
lurnish the desired protection, and that no reasonable
duty can be effectual, unless it be a specific square yard,
instead of an ad valorem duty.
Taking, then, these positions as granted, the committee
proposed to lay the following duties :
1st. Upon all manufactures of wool, or of which wool
shall be a component part, the actual value of which, at
the place whence imported, shall not exceed fifty cents
per square yard, a specific duty of sixteen cents upon
every square yard.
2d. Upon all manufactures of wool, or of which wool
shall be a component part, the actual value of which, at
the place whence imported, shall exceed fifty cents per
square yard, and shall not exceed $1 per square yard, a
specific duty of 40 cents upon every square yard.
3d. Upon manufactures of wool, or of which wool
shall be a component part, the actual value of which, at
the place whence imported, shall exceed $1 per square
yard, and shall not exceed $2,50 per square yard, a spe-
cific duty of $1 upon every square yard.
4th. Upon all manufactures of wool, or of which wool
shall be a component part, the actual value of which, at
the place whence imported, shall exceed 82,50 per square
yard, and shall not exceed 84 per square yard, shall be
deemed to have cost 84 per square yard, and at such va-
luation shall be charged with, and pay a duty of 40 per
centum, ad valorem.
5th. Upon all manufactures of wool, &c. the actual
value of which, at the place whence imported, shall ex-
ceed 84 per square yard, shall be charged with, and pay
a duty of 45 per centum, ad valorem.
The attention of the committee was next turned to
hemp and flax, and certain manufactures from them.
After showing that our country can raise and manufacture
from these articles to advantage, and that, in some points,
they form an important item in the products of this
country, they propose to lay a duty of $10 the ton on raw
hemp, and 89 the ton on flax, and would make the rate 01
duty progressive, until it should arrive at 860 the ton on
each.
440 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
On foreign distilled spirits, the committee proposed an
additional duty of ten cents, and on foreign molasses, an
increase of five cents the gallon.
The great importance of a national system, is so evi-
dent, that few doubt the propriety of a tariff for the pro-
tection of domestic manufactures. This was the all ab-
sorbing business of the last session, and the measure has
been effected Whether all the details are unexceptiona-
ble, is left for practice to determine. If faults should be
discovered, they can be remedied by the legislature. If
it should have an unequal bearing on different sections of
the Union, the difficulty may be obviated ; or, if not, the
only evils which will remain are those which are insepa-
rable from all general systems. All that can be required,
is the greatest good of the whole as a nation.
That opposition should be manifested to any great na-
tional change is not surprising ; it would rather surprise
if this were not the case. No such change can be made,
without effecting individual interest. But where the
great, the permanent interests, and permanent prosperity
of the country are at stake, both wisdom and duty dictate
that the minor interests should give way. The balance
of trade has been long enough against us. Commercial
difficulties, and scarcity of money, substantiate the fact
conclusively. To retrace our steps, and take an inde-
pendent stand, \vas our only safe alternative, and we re-
joice that this course has been pursued, because we are
fully persuaded that the step will ultimately result in good.
Remarks upon Part Third.
The Mississippi, the Missouri, the Ohio, no longer
flows through a wilderness ; large three masted ships sail
up them, and more than two hundred steam-boats enliven
their banks.
Thus the United States cherish within their bosom, un-
der the protection of liberty, an image and a memorial of
most of the celebrated places of ancient and modern Eu-
rope like that garden in the Campagna of Rome, in
which Adrian had models of the different monuments of
his empire erected.
THE UNITED STATES. 441
It should be observed, that there is scarcely a county
but has a town, village, or hamlet, called Washington :
touching unanimity of the gratitude of a nation !
Thirty high roads meet at Washington, as the Roman
roads met at ancient Rome, and, diverging from that point,
run to the circumference of the United States. The
whole forming an interior circulation of roads of 25,747
miles.
From the points to which these roads tend, it is obvious
that they traverse tracts formerly wild, but now cultivated
and inhabited. On a great number of these roads you
may travel, post, or public stage coaches, carry you from
place to place at a moderate price. You may now take
the diligence for the Ohio, or the Falls of Niagara, as in
former time you engaged an Indian guide or interpreter.
Cross roads branch off from the principal roads, and are
equally provided with the means of conveyance. These
jneans are almost always of two kinds, for as there are
every where lakes and rivers, you may travel either in
row boats, sail boats, or steam vessels.
Vessels of the latter class make regular trips from Bos-
ton and New- York to New-Orleans ; they are likewise
established on the lakes of Canada, the Ontario, the Erie,
the Michigan, the Champlain ; on those lakes, where,
thirty years ago, scarcely the canoes of the savages were
to be seen, and where ships of the line now engage one
another.
The steam vessels of the United States are not only
subservient to the wants of commerce, and of travellers,
but are also employed for the defence of the country ;
some of them, of immense size, placed at the mouth "of
rivers, armed with cannon, and boiling water, resemble at
one and the same time, modern citadels and fortresses of
the middle ages.
To the twenty-five thousand seven hundred and forty-
seven miles of general roads, must be added the extent of
four hundred and nineteen district roads, and of fifty-
eight thousand one hundred and thirty-seven miles of
water-ways. The canals increase the number of- the lat-
ter : the Middlesex canal joins the harbour at Boston with
the Merrimack ; the Champlain canal forms a communica-
442 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
tion between that lake and the Canadian seas ; the famous
Erie or New-York canal, now unites Lake Erie and the
Atlantic ; the Santee, Chesapeake, and Albemarle canals,
were constructed by the states of Carolina and Virginia ;
and as broad rivers, running in different directions, ap-
proach towards their sources, nothing was easier than to
connect them together. Five roads to the Pacific Ocean
are already known ; one only of these roads passes
through the Spanish territory.
A law of congress, passed in the session of 1824 5,
directs the establishment of a military post at Oregon.
The Americans, who have a settlement on the Columbia,
can thus penetrate to the great ocean by a zone of land
nearly six degrees in breadth, between English, Russian,
and Spanish America.
There are, nevertheless, natural limits to colonization.
The forests to the north and west of the Missouri, are
bounded by immense steppes, where not a tree is to be
seen, and which seem to be unsusceptible of culture,
though grass grows abundantly upon them. This ver-
dant Arabia affords a passage to the colonists who repair
in caravans to the Rocky Mountains, and New-Mexico ; it
separates the United States of the Atlantic, from the
United States of the South Sea, like those deserts, which,
in the old world, are interposed bet\veen fertile regions.
An American has offered to construct, at his own expense,
a solid high road from St. Louis, on the Mississippi, to
the mouth of the Columbia, if congress will grant him a
tract ten miles in depth, on either side of the road. This
gigantic proposal has not been accepted.
In the year 1789, there were only seventy-five post
offices in the United States ; there are now upwards of
seven thousand. From 1790 to 1795, these offices in-
creased from seventy-five to four hundred and fifty-three;
in 1800 their number was nine hundred and three ; in
1805 they* amounted to fifteen hundred and fifty-eight; in
1810 to two thousand three hundred ; in 1817 to three
thousand three hundred and fifty-nine ; in 1820 to four
thousand and thirty ; in 1830 to nearly eight thousand.
Letters and packets are conveyed by mail coaches,
which travel about one hundred and fifty thousand miles
a day, and by couriers, on horseback and on foot.
THE UNITED STATES. 443
Offices for the sale of public lands are opened in the
states of Ohio and Indiana, in the territory of Michigan,
Missouri, and Arkansas, and in the states of Louisiana,
Mississippi, and Alabama. It is computed that one hun-
dred and fifty millions of acres of land fit for cultivation,
exclusively of the soil of vast forests, yet remain to be dis-
posed of. These hundred and fifty millions of acres are
estimated to be worth fifteen hundred millions of dollars,
at the average rate of ten dollars per acre, and reckoning
the dollars at no more than three francs a very low cal-
culation in every respect.
We find twenty-five military posts in the northern states,
and twenty-two in the southern.
In 1790, the population of the United States was
3,929,326 souls; in 1800, it was 5,305,666; in 1810,
7,239,300 ; in 1820, 9,609,827. This last number includ-
ed 1,581,436 slaves.
The population of the United States has increased every
ten years, from 1790 to 1820, at the rate of thirty-five per
cent. Eight years have already elapsed of the ten, which
will be completed in 1830, when, it is presumed, the popu-
lation of the United States will be little short of 12,875,000
souls : and the state of Ohio will have 850,000 inhabitants,
and that of Kentucky 750,000.
If the population were to go on doubling every twenty-
five years, the United States would have, in 1855, a popu-
lation of 25,750,OCO souls ; and in twenty-five years more,
that is to say, in 1880, that population would exceed
50,000,000.
In 1821, the value of native and foreign productions
exported from the United States amounted to the sum of
64,974,382 dollars. In the same year the public revenue
was 14,264,000 dollars : the excess of the receipts be-
yond the expenditure was 3,334,826 dollars. In the same
year, also, the national debt was reduced to 89,204,235
dollars.
The army has sometimes been raised to one hundred
thousand men: and the navy of the United States is com-
posed of eleven sail of the line, nine frigates, and fifty
other ships of various sizes.
It is superfluous to say any thing concerning the con-
444 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
etitutions of the different states ; it is sufficient to know
that they are all free.
There is no predominant religion, but every citizen is
expected to conform to some mode of Christian worship.
The catholic religion is making considerable progress in
the western states.
Supposing, which I believe to be the case, that the*
statistical summaries published by the United States an
exaggerated by the national vanity, still there will be left
a total of prosperity well worthy of our highest admi-
ration.
To complete this astonishing picture, we must figure t(?
ourselves cities like Boston, New-York, Philadelphia, Bal
timore Savannah, New-Orleans, lighted at night, filled
with horses and carriages, offering all the gratifications oi
luxury, brought to their ports by thousands of ships ; wt
must figure to ourselves the lakes of Canada, formerly sc
solitary, now covered with frigates, brigs, cutters, boats,
steam vessels, intermixed with the canoes of the Indians,
as the large ships and galleys are with pinks, sloops, and
caiques, in the waters of the Bosphorus. Churches and
houses, embellished with columns of Grecian architecture,
rise from amidst these forests, and on the banks of these
rivers, the ancient ornaments of (ike wilderness. Add to
these, spacious colleges, observatories, erected for science
in the abode of savage ignorance ; all religions, all opi-
nions, dwelling together in peace, labouring in concert
for the melioration of the human race, and the develope-
ment of the human understanding. Such are the prodi-
gies of liberty.
The Abbe Raynal offered a prize for a solution of the
question : " What influence will the discovery of the
New World have upon the Old World."
Writers lost themselves in calculations relative to the
exportation and importation of the precious metals, the
depopulation of Spain, the increase of commerce, the
improvement of the navy : nobody, as far as I know,
sought the influence of the discovery of America upon
Europe, in the establishment of the American republics.
They figured to themselves the old monarchies continu-
ing in much the same state as thev then were, society sta-
THE UNITED STATES. 445
tionary, the human mind neither advancing nor retrogra-
ding ; they had not the least idea of the revolution which,
in the space of twenty years, has taken place in opinions.
The most valuable of the treasures which America con-
tains within her bosom is liberty; every nation is called
to work this inexhaustible mine. The discovery of the
representative republic by the United States, is one of
the greatest political events that ever occurred. This
event proves, as T have elsewhere observed, that there are
two practicable kinds of liberty ; the one belonging to the
infancy of nations, the offspring of manners and virtue,
the liberty of the first Greeks and of the first Romans,
and the liberty of the savages of America ; the other, born
in the old age of nations, the offspring of knowledge and
reason, the liberty of the United States, which has super-
seded the liberty of the Indian. Happy country, which,
in less than three centuries, has passed from one liberty
to the other, almost without effort, and by means of a con
test which lasted only eight years !
Will America preserve this last kind of liberty ? Will
there not be a division of the United States? May we
not already perceive the germs of these divisions ? Has
not a representative of Virginia already supported the
thesis of the ancient Greek and Roman liberty, with the
systems of slavery, against a deputy of Massachusetts,
who advocated the cause of modern liberty without slaves,
such as Christianity has made it ?
Will not the western states, extending themselves far-
ther and farther, and being too remote from the Atlantic
states, be desirous of having a government to themselves ?
Lastly, are the Americans a perfect people ? have .they
not their vices like other men ? are they morally superior
to the English, from whom they derive their origin?
Will not the tide of foreign emigration, incessantly pour-
ing upon them from all parts of Europe, eventually de-
stroy the homogeneousness of their race ? Will not the
mercantile spirit gain ascendency? Is not self-interest
beginning to be a predominant national defect among
them ?
We are also obliged to confess with pain, that the es-
tablishment of the republics of Mexico, Colombia, Peru,
38
446 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
Chili, and Buenos Ayres, is pregnant with danger to the
United States. While the latter had about them nothing
but the colonies of a transatlantic kingdom, war was not
probable.
May not rivalships now spring up between the old re-
publics of North America, and the new republics of Span-
ish America ? Will not the latter interdict alliance with
European powers ? If both sides should have recourse
to arms if the military spirit should take possession of
the United States, a great captain might arise ; glory
loves crowns ; soldiers are but brilliant forgers of chains,
and liberty is not sure of preserving its patrimony under
the guardianship of victory.
Let what will happen, liberty will never be entirely
banished from America ; and here it is right to specify one
of the great advantages possessed by liberty, the offspring
of manners.
Liberty, the offspring of manners, perishes when its
principle deteriorates, and it is in the nature of manners
to deteriorate with time.
Liberty, the offspring of manners, begins before des-
potism, in the days of poverty and obscurity : it is lost in
despotism, and in ages of glory and luxury.
Liberty, the offspring of knowledge, shines after ages
of oppression and corruption ; it advances with the prin-
ciple which preserves and renews it, the knowledge of
which it is the effect, instead of becoming feeble with
time, like the manners which gave birth to the first liberty
knowledge, I say, grows stronger on the contrary with
time ; thus, it forsakes not the liberty which it has pro-
duced ; constantly about that liberty, it is at once its ge-
nerative virtue and its inexhaustible source.
To conclude the United States have one safeguard
more ; their population does not occupy an eighteenth
part of their territory. America still dwells in the wil-
derness ; for a long time to come, her deserts will be her
manners, and knowledge her liberty.
RELIGION. The consequences resulting from the en-
joyment of religious liberty have been highly favourable.
Free discussion has enlightened the ignorant, disarmed
superstition of its dreadful powers, and consigned to
THE UNITED STATES. 447
oblivion many erroneous and fantastic creeds. Religious
oppression, and the vindictive feelings it arouses, are
hardly known. Catholics and Protestants live together
in harmony ; and Protestants who disagree, employ, in
defending their own doctrines, and in assailing those
of their antagonists, the weapons only of reason and
eloquence.
In the New-England states, the independents, or con-
gregationalists, constitute the most numerous denomina-
tion-; in the middle states, the Presbyterians ; and, in the
southern, the Methodists. Baptists, Episcopalians, and
Roman Catholics, are found in all the states ; but, in Ma-
ryland and Louisiana, the Catholics are more numerous
than elsewhere. Each of these sects has one or more
seminaries of learning, in which its peculiar doctrines
are taught, and young men are educated for the ministry.
Many other sects exist, but reason, less tolerant than the
laws, is gradually diminishing the number.
AGRICULTURE in 1820. The number of persons en-
gaged in agriculture was 2,870,646. The value of all its
products exported during the year ending the 30th of Sep-
tember, 1823, was 37,646,000 dollars. The principal
articles were, cotton to the value of 20,445,000 dollars ;
flour to the value of 4,962,000 dollars ; tobacco to the
value of 4,852,000 dollars; and rice to the value of
1,821,000 dollars. The value of provisions of all kinds
exported, was 13,460,000 dollars, and it has, in many
years, been greater. A people able to spare such an
amount of the necessaries of life, can never be in danger
of suffering from want.
COMMERCE. The state of the world, for several years
subsequent to the commencement of the French revolu-
tion, offered great encouragement to the commercial en-
terprise of the country. While almost every other power
was engaged in war, the United States were neutral ;
their vessels navigated the ocean in safety, and were em-
ployed to carry, from port to port, the commodities of the
belligerent nations. In fifteen years, beginning with
1793, these favourable circumstances increased the amount
of American tonnage from 491,000 to 1,242,000 tons, and
448 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
the revenue arising from commerce, from 4,399,000 to
16,363,000 dollars.
In 1820, the number of persons engaged in commerce
was 72,493. In 1823, the whole amount of exports
was 74,799,000 dollars ; the amount of imports was
77,579,000 dollars, the balance in favour of the United
States being about three millions of dollars. As the im-
ports, however, are always undervalued at the custom
house, the additional wealth, which, in that year, accrued
to the nation from commerce, was undoubtedly greater.
In other years, the commerce of the country has flourish-
ed more. *In 1807, the exports amounted to 108,343,000
dollars, and the imports to 138,574,000 dollars. The
principal causes of the decline which has taken place,
have been, the restoration of peace in Europe, and the
increase of the product of domestic manufactures. The
former has permitted all other nations to become our
competitors; the latter has rendered it unnecessary to
resort to Europe for most of the conveniences, and many
of the luxuries of life. The depression will not long
continue. The independence of the South American
republics, has opened a wide field for the enterprise of
our merchants, and given a brighter hue to their future
prospects.
DEBT, REVENUE, AND EXPENDITURES. When, in 1790,
the public debt was first funded, it amounted to about
75,000,000 of dollars. In 1803, by the purchase of
Louisiana, it was augmented to about 85,500,000. In the
eight years which followed, a large amount was paid,
leaving due, in 1812, but little more than 45,000,000. To
defray the expenses of the war, which was declared in
that year, more than 80,000,000 of new debt was con-
tracted. A large portion has since been paid, and, on the
first day of January, 1823, the amount of it was
90,865,877 dollars.
The present revenue of the republic is derived princi-
pally from commerce, and from the sale of public lands.
In 1822, there accrued from the former source, the sum
of 20,500,775 dollars ; from the latter source, 1,803,581 ;
and from other sources, 839,084. The amount, however,
THE UNITED STATES. 449
which was actually received, during the year, was but
20,232,427.
The expenditures during the same year, were as fol-
lows : Civil, diplomatic, and miscellaneous, 1,967,996;
for the pay and support of the army, the construction of
forts, the supply of arms, the payment of pensions, and
the various expenses of the Indian department, &, 635, 188 ;
for the support and increase of the navy, 2,224,458 ; for
the payment of the interest, and for the redemption of that
portion of the principal of the debt which became due
within the year, 7,848,949 ; amounting in the whole to
17,676,591, and leaving an excess of revenue over expen-
diture of 2,555,836 dollars.
Great Britain may be taken as a favourable example
of the European governments. The people of that king-
dom pay, annually, for the support of their sovereign and
his relatives, nearly two and a half millions of dollars,
while the compensation of the president of the United
States is but twenty-five thousand. In the salaries of the
subordinate officers of government, the disproportion is
not so great, but is generally, nevertheless, as four or five
to one.
The military peace establishment of Great Britain costs
annually thirty-four millions of dollars ; that of the United
States but little more than five millions. The naval es-
tablishment of the former costs twenty-two millions ; that
of the latter less than two and a half millions. British
subjects pay in taxes, raised exclusively for national
purposes, at the rate of fifteen dollars yearly for each
individual ; the citizens of the United States pay, in na-
tional and state taxes, at the rate of b^t two dollars. And
as the whole population of Great Britain and Ireland is
included in the estimate, the individual wealth of the sub-
jects of the united kingdom, and of the citizens of the
American republic, may on an average, be considered
nearly equal.
On the fourth of March, A. D. 1829, Andrew Jackson
took the oath of office as president of the United States,
for the term of four years, and John C. Calhoun vice
president our country being in a very prosperous and
flourishing state, the national debt being greatly decreased,
38*
450 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
and things in general wore a very pleasing appearance.
The nation is tranquil, and remains unmoved. The con-
stitution and laws of our country do not rest on the point
of mercenary bayonets, and freedom of sentiment makes
up the moral power which is, at once, the envy and won-
der of the world.
The following is the Inaugural Address of General An-
drew Jackson, on being sworn into the office of President
of the United States.
FELLOW CITIZENS : About to undertake the arduous
duties that I have been appointed to perform, by the
choice of a free people, I avail myself of this customary
and solemn occasion, to express the gratitude which
their confidence inspires, and to acknowledge the ac-
countability which my situation enjoins. While the
magnitude of their interests convinces me that no thanks
can be adequate to the honour they have conferred, it ad-
monishes me that the best return I can make, is the zeal-
ous dedication of my humble abilities to their service and
their good.
As the instrument of the Federal Constitution, it will
devolve on me, for a stated period, to execute the laws of
the United States ; to superintend their foreign and their
confederate relations ; to manage their revenue ; to com-
mand their forces ; and, by communications to the legisla-
ture, to watch over and promote their interests generally.
And the principles of action by which I shall endeavour
to accomplish this circle of duties, it is now proper for
me briefly to explain.
In administering the laws of congress, I shall keep
steadily in view the limitations as well as the extent of
the executive power, trusting thereby to discharge the
functions of my office without transcending its authority.
With foreign nations it will be my study to preserve
peace, and to cultivate friendship on fair and honourable
terms ; and in the adjustment of any difference that may
exist or arise, to exhibit the forbearance becoming a pow-
erful nation, rather than the sensibility belonging to a gal-
lant people.
In such measures as I may be called on to pursue, in
THE UNITED STATES. 451
regard to the rights of the separate states, I hope to be
animated by a proper respect for those sovereign mem-
bers of our Union ; taking care not to confound the pow-
ers they have reserved to- themselves, with those they have
granted to the confederacy.
The management of the public revenue, that searching
operation in all governments, is among the most delicate
and important trusts in ours ; and it will, of course, de-
mand no inconsiderable share of my official solicitude.
Under every aspect in which it can be considered, it would
appear that advantage must result from the observance
of a strict and faithful economy. This I shall aim at the
more anxiously, both because it will facilitate the extin-
guishment of the national debt, the unnecessary duration
of which is incompatible with real independence; and
because it will counteract the tendency to public and pri-
vate profligacy, which a profuse expenditure of money
by the government, is but too apt to engender. Power-
ful auxiliaries to the attainment of this desirable end, are
to be found in the regulations provided by the wisdom of
congress, for the specific appropriation of public money,
and the prompt accountability of public officers.
With regard to a proper selection of the subjects of
impost, with a view to revenue, it would seem to me that
the spirit of equity, caution, and compromise, in which
the constitution was formed, requires that the great inte-
rests of agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, should
be equally favoured ; and that, perhaps, the only excep-
tion to this rule, should consist in the peculiar encourage-
ment of any products of either of them that may be found
essential to our national independence.
Internal improvement, and the diffusion of knowledge,
so far as they can be promoted by the constitutional acts
of the federal government, are of high importance.
Considering standing armies as dangerous to free go-
vernments, in time of peace, I shall not seek to enlarge
our present establishment, nor disregard that salutary les-
son of political experience, which teaches that the mili-
tary should be held subordinate to the civil power. The
gradual increase of our navy, whose flag has displayed,
in distant climes, our skill in navigation, and our fame in
452 UNIVERSAL HISTORY OF
arms ; the preservation of our forts, arsenals, and dock-
yards, and the introduction of progressive improvements
in the discipline and science of both branches of our mi-
litary service, are so plainly prescribed by prudence, that
I should be excused for omitting their mention, sooner
than for enlarging on their importance. But t